Fearless Faith: Embracing Our Mission in Chaos
Summary
In these tumultuous times, it's more important than ever to embrace our identity as followers of Jesus Christ. The world may be in chaos, but our faith provides us with a profound sense of security and fearlessness. Jesus' resurrection is a testament to His power over death, and His command to make disciples is a call to action that we must heed without fear. Imagine standing before the resurrected Christ, who has conquered death and commands us to follow Him. This is the foundation of our courage and mission. We are called to be an unstoppable force, a church that is powerful and unafraid, even in the face of adversity.
The true church is not defined by buildings or salaries but by its unwavering commitment to shepherding and leading people towards God. We are the body of Christ, indestructible and resilient. Just as a diamond remains unscathed by a hammer, so too does the true church stand firm against trials. God is pruning His church, cutting away the unfruitful branches to make us more fruitful. This is a time for purity and dedication, a time to rid ourselves of sin and fear, and to walk closely with God.
In Hong Kong, people take extreme precautions to avoid the virus, and this is how we should approach sin—avoiding it at all costs. We are called to be vigilant and pure, to follow Christ without fear or hesitation. The world may never be the same, but as followers of Christ, we are ready to embrace the journey He has for us. Jesus invites us on an adventure, promising experiences beyond our imagination, culminating in paradise. We must not be content with the familiar or the comfortable; instead, we should be eager to follow Him wherever He leads.
Now is the time to give, to be generous, and to live with the assurance of eternal life. We are part of a resilient church, a new generation rising to the challenge. Let's finish this journey well, undeterred by the enemy's schemes, for the gates of hell cannot prevail against us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Fearlessness: In the face of global uncertainty, our faith in Jesus Christ provides us with a profound sense of security. His resurrection assures us that death has been conquered, and we are called to live without fear, trusting in His promise of eternal life. [00:31]
2. The Unstoppable Church: The true church is not defined by physical structures or financial stability but by its unwavering commitment to God's mission. We are the indestructible body of Christ, called to be a powerful and fearless force in the world, advancing His kingdom. [03:02]
3. Pruning for Fruitfulness: God is actively pruning His church, removing unfruitful branches to enhance our spiritual growth. This is a time for self-examination and purity, as we seek to be more fruitful and aligned with His will. [05:12]
4. Vigilance Against Sin: Just as people take extreme measures to avoid a virus, we must be vigilant in avoiding sin. This is a time to pursue holiness, rejecting fear and worldly desires, and striving for a closer walk with God. [06:36]
5. Embrace the Journey: Jesus invites us on a journey of faith, promising experiences beyond our imagination. We must not settle for comfort or familiarity but be willing to follow Him wherever He leads, trusting in His promise of eternal life. [08:02]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Embracing Faith in Uncertain Times
[00:31] - Fearlessness Through Christ
[01:06] - The Call to Make Disciples
[02:04] - Power Over Death
[03:02] - The Unstoppable Church
[04:16] - Indestructible Body of Christ
[05:12] - Pruning for Fruitfulness
[06:08] - Vigilance Against Sin
[07:10] - Embracing Change
[08:02] - The Journey of Faith
[09:14] - A Resilient Generation
[09:33] - Finishing Well
[09:58] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
2. John 15:1-2 - "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
3. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 tell us about our mission as His followers? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on making disciples? [01:45]
2. In John 15:1-2, what is the significance of God pruning the branches? How does this concept of pruning relate to the sermon’s message about God refining His church? [05:12]
3. According to Matthew 16:18, what assurance do we have about the church's resilience? How does this align with the sermon’s portrayal of the church as an unstoppable force? [03:02]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of Jesus' presence in Matthew 28:20 impact our approach to making disciples, especially in uncertain times? [02:19]
2. What might be some "unfruitful branches" in our lives or church that God might be pruning, as mentioned in John 15:1-2? How can this pruning lead to greater fruitfulness? [05:31]
3. In what ways does the assurance that "the gates of hell will not overcome" the church (Matthew 16:18) empower believers to live fearlessly? How does this relate to the sermon’s call to embrace fearlessness? [03:02]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when fear held you back from following Jesus wholeheartedly. How can the assurance of His resurrection and presence help you overcome that fear now? [00:31]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel God might be pruning you. How can you cooperate with this process to become more fruitful? [05:51]
3. How can you be more vigilant against sin in your daily life, similar to the precautions people take against a virus? What practical steps can you take this week? [06:36]
4. Consider the journey of faith Jesus invites us on. What is one area of comfort or familiarity you need to step out of to follow Him more closely? [08:02]
5. In what ways can you contribute to the church being an unstoppable force in your community? How can you support its mission despite challenges? [03:02]
6. How can you practice generosity and live with the assurance of eternal life in your current circumstances? What is one specific way you can give or serve this week? [08:53]
7. Reflect on the idea of being part of a resilient generation. What role do you see yourself playing in the church’s mission during these times? [09:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Fearlessness Rooted in Faith
In times of global uncertainty, the assurance of Jesus Christ's resurrection provides believers with a profound sense of security and fearlessness. This assurance is not just a comforting thought but a transformative reality that empowers individuals to live boldly, knowing that death has been conquered. The call to live without fear is a call to trust in the promise of eternal life, a promise that transcends the chaos of the world. As followers of Christ, embracing this fearlessness means stepping into a life of courage and purpose, driven by the knowledge that nothing can separate us from the love of God. [00:31]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What specific fear is holding you back from fully trusting in God's promise of eternal life? How can you confront this fear today with the assurance of Christ's resurrection?
Day 2: The Church as an Unstoppable Force
The true church is defined not by its physical structures or financial stability but by its unwavering commitment to God's mission. As the indestructible body of Christ, the church is called to be a powerful and fearless force in the world, advancing His kingdom with boldness and conviction. This calling requires a deep commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus, embodying His love and grace in every interaction. The church's strength lies in its unity and dedication to the mission, standing firm against any adversity that may come its way. [03:02]
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the mission of the church, ensuring it remains a powerful and fearless force in your community?
Day 3: Pruning for Greater Fruitfulness
God is actively at work in His church, pruning away the unfruitful branches to enhance spiritual growth and fruitfulness. This process of pruning is not always comfortable, but it is necessary for the church to align more closely with His will. It is a time for self-examination and purity, a time to rid oneself of anything that hinders spiritual growth. By embracing this pruning process, believers can become more fruitful, living lives that reflect the character and love of Christ more fully. [05:12]
"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life that God might be pruning right now? How can you embrace this process to become more fruitful in your walk with Him?
Day 4: Vigilance in Avoiding Sin
Just as people take extreme measures to avoid a virus, believers are called to be vigilant in avoiding sin. This vigilance requires a commitment to holiness, rejecting fear and worldly desires, and striving for a closer walk with God. By being proactive in avoiding sin, believers can maintain a pure heart and mind, ready to follow Christ without hesitation. This pursuit of holiness is a daily journey, one that requires intentionality and dedication to living a life that honors God. [06:36]
"Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to avoid sin and pursue holiness in your daily life?
Day 5: Embracing the Journey of Faith
Jesus invites His followers on a journey of faith, promising experiences beyond imagination and culminating in paradise. This journey requires a willingness to step out of comfort and familiarity, trusting in His guidance and provision. By embracing this journey, believers can experience the fullness of life that Christ offers, marked by adventure, growth, and transformation. It is a call to live with purpose and passion, following wherever He leads with confidence in His promise of eternal life. [08:02]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out of your comfort zone and trust God more fully on your journey of faith?
Quotes
I don't know about you but I have never appreciated and loved being a follower of Jesus Christ more than right now just to know that I can be secure in him just to know that he really did conquer the grave so I'm not afraid of death doesn't mean I just go out and do stupid things but I'm I'm just not fearful. [00:18:45]
I mean how many times in Scripture does he tell his disciples fear not man that's the most oft-repeated command we are to be those people like he describes in the Book of Luke when he says when when all these things are happening in the end pieces straighten up and lift up your heads because your redemption is near. [00:42:63]
I just think about if Jesus told me to follow him in making disciples and I would just go anywhere with him at that moment because I would think to myself this guy has power over demons, I saw raised peril, is blind walk on water and now he rose from the dead and tells me that he's been given all authority. [01:18:79]
What could you possibly be afraid of if you were standing next to the resurrected son of God and that's where you look at a virus or you look at a recession and you know this doesn't affect me because he promised me that if I follow him I trust him I believe him I will never die. [01:48:59]
His promise to us as his church is he says look upon this rock I will build my church I'm gonna build it and the gates of hell can't stop this so we're supposed to be this unstoppable force going into the world now now and not to shrink with fear like everyone else this is not the church. [02:03:97]
The church is supposed to be so powerful and unafraid and that even if they get rid of all of our buildings and we can't afford ability that is until the church not the true church and those of us who are Shepherds if we lose our salaries lose our jobs that doesn't stop us from shepherding not true Shepherds. [02:07:63]
We are the body of Christ literally the body are you telling the resurrected Christ that his body is destructible now that we can actually destroy him it's like if I if I had a diamond right here and I and I hit it with a hammer what would happen to the diamond, nothing but if the diamond shatters it proves that it wasn't real. [02:39:31]
God told us look there's gonna come a time when I will test he says one man will build his house on a rock and the other will build it in the sand and the storms gonna come one will get wiped out but those of us who built on the rock he says you're not going anywhere you'll stand the test. [02:75:39]
In John 15 he describes he goes look I'm the vine Jesus says and my father is the vine dresser he cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit while the ones who are fruitful he trims clean so they'll be even more fruitful then I believe were in a time when the the vine dresser is is chopping off branches. [02:97:56]
It's crazy to me how careful some people are where they're wearing gloves and fold mass and covering every ounce of their bodies people carry around toothpicks so when they have to touch the elevator button the little bill they'll push it with a toothpick and then throw it away so there's just no chance. [03:57:59]
This is the way we need to be about sin right now we're we're just saying god I don't want anything evil in my life I want to follow you right now I don't want any fear I don't want lust I don't want the things of the world I just wanted to Missy with you and I want to follow you in this journey. [03:94:52]
I picture him coming to me and saying Francis I want to take you on a journey right now okay I don't I'm not going to tell you where we're going but I promise you it's places you've never been I promise you to experience things if you've never experienced some will be more difficult and some will just bring so much life. [04:53:66]
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