Finding Hope and Strength in God's Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we gather with heavy hearts due to the recent storms that have devastated many communities across several states. We are reminded of our role as a church to support and minister to those affected. Our Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams are already on the ground, setting up feeding and sleeping sites, and preparing to serve 30,000 meals daily. You can contribute through sinrelief.org or volunteer through sbcv.org/dr.
We turn to Psalm 34 for comfort, where David reminds us to bless the Lord at all times, seek Him, and find refuge in His goodness. This scripture encourages us to pray for those impacted by the storms, knowing that God hears our cries and is our refuge.
We also celebrate the transformative power of the gospel through the testimonies and baptisms of Susan, Donna, and a young student, each showing how evangelism and discipleship lead to life-changing faith in Jesus.
In 1 John, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith. John emphasizes that knowing Jesus means keeping His commands and walking as He walked. This is not about earning salvation through works but about the evidence of our faith being visible in our actions. John gives us three key benefits of following God's commands: knowing we are in Him, growing in our love for God, and experiencing the richness of His presence.
John also addresses the need to love one another and avoid worldliness. He calls us to love sacrificially, as Jesus did, and to reject the desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride of possessions. This love and rejection of worldliness are crucial for the church to be a light in a dark world.
As we conclude, we are reminded that God's love for us is demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice. We are called to love others, put away selfishness, and live in purity and holiness. If you need to trust Jesus, repent of sin, or seek victory over persistent sin, come forward and pray. Let us be the church God has called us to be, seeking Him above all else.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Community Support: In times of disaster, our role as a church is to support and minister to those affected. Through prayer and tangible actions, such as volunteering and giving, we can be a beacon of hope and God's love in devastated communities. Our collective efforts, guided by faith, can bring relief and demonstrate the love of Christ. [16:53]
2. Seeking Refuge in God's Goodness: Psalm 34 reminds us to bless the Lord at all times and seek Him, especially in troubled times. God's promise to hear our cries and be our refuge is a source of comfort and strength. This scripture encourages us to turn to God, trust in His goodness, and find joy and peace in His presence. [18:31]
3. Living Out Our Faith: True faith in Jesus is evidenced by keeping His commands and walking as He walked. This is not about earning salvation but about the transformation that occurs when we follow Jesus. Our lives should reflect Christ's love and obedience, showing the world the reality of our faith. [01:11:48]
4. Loving One Another Sacrificially: John calls us to love one another as Jesus loved us, laying down our lives for our brothers and sisters. This sacrificial love is a powerful testimony to the world of our discipleship. It challenges us to put aside selfishness and serve others, reflecting the love of Christ in our actions. [01:20:05]
5. Rejecting Worldliness: To follow Jesus, we must reject the desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride of possessions. These worldly temptations can distract us from our faith and relationship with God. By setting our hearts and minds on Christ, we can grow in holiness and experience the fullness of God's presence and purpose in our lives. [01:25:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Addressing the Storms' Impact
[15:28] - Disaster Relief Efforts
[16:53] - How to Get Involved
[18:31] - Psalm 34: A Call to Prayer
[20:43] - Prayer for Affected Communities
[22:50] - Celebrating Baptisms
[39:56] - Testimony of Evangelism
[40:27] - Baptism of Susan
[40:57] - Baptism of Donna
[01:06:30] - 1 John: Assurance of Salvation
[01:07:46] - Addressing All Stages of Faith
[01:09:05] - Repetition for Emphasis
[01:11:48] - Evidence of Faith
[01:20:05] - Command to Love One Another
[01:25:24] - Avoiding Worldliness
[01:32:56] - Call to Trust and Repentance
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 34:1-18 - "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
2. 1 John 2:3-6 - "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
3. 1 John 2:15-17 - "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions are the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams taking to help communities affected by the recent storms? [15:28]
2. According to Psalm 34, what are some of the promises God makes to those who seek Him? [18:31]
3. In 1 John 2:3-6, what is the evidence that someone truly knows Jesus?
4. What are the three worldly temptations mentioned in 1 John 2:15-17 that believers are instructed to reject?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 34 provide comfort and encouragement during times of disaster and hardship? [18:31]
2. What does it mean to "walk as Jesus walked" according to 1 John 2:6, and how can this be seen as evidence of true faith? [01:11:48]
3. Why is sacrificial love for one another emphasized as a crucial aspect of Christian discipleship in 1 John 3:16? [01:20:05]
4. How can rejecting worldliness, as described in 1 John 2:15-17, help believers grow in their relationship with God? [01:25:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the recent storms, how can you personally contribute to disaster relief efforts, either through prayer, giving, or volunteering? [16:53]
2. Psalm 34 encourages us to seek refuge in God's goodness. How can you make seeking God a daily practice, especially during challenging times? [18:31]
3. In what ways can you demonstrate your faith through actions that align with Jesus' teachings, as described in 1 John 2:3-6? [01:11:48]
4. Think of a specific person in your life who needs to experience sacrificial love. What practical steps can you take this week to show them Christ-like love? [01:20:05]
5. Identify one area of worldliness (desires of the flesh, eyes, or pride of possessions) that you struggle with. What steps can you take to reject this temptation and focus more on your relationship with God? [01:25:24]
6. How can you encourage and support others in your small group to live out their faith more visibly and authentically? [01:11:48]
7. Reflect on the transformative power of the gospel as seen in the testimonies and baptisms shared in the sermon. How can you share your own faith story to inspire others? [39:56]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Community Support
In times of disaster, the church's role extends beyond the walls of the building. It is a call to action, a call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world. When communities are devastated by storms or other calamities, the church is uniquely positioned to offer both spiritual and practical support. This support can take many forms, from prayer and financial contributions to volunteering time and resources. The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams exemplify this by setting up feeding and sleeping sites and preparing to serve thousands of meals daily. By contributing through sinrelief.org or volunteering through sbcv.org/dr, you can be part of this mission of hope and love. [16:53]
The collective efforts of the church, guided by faith, can bring relief and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. This is not just about meeting physical needs but also about being a beacon of hope and God's love in devastated communities. Through prayer and tangible actions, we can show the world that the church is a place of refuge and support, especially in times of crisis.
Isaiah 58:10-11 (ESV): "If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can support those affected by recent disasters. Can you commit to praying daily for them, donating to relief efforts, or volunteering your time? How can you be a beacon of hope in your community today?
Day 2: Seeking Refuge in God's Goodness
Psalm 34 offers a profound reminder to bless the Lord at all times and seek Him, especially in troubled times. This scripture assures us that God hears our cries and is our refuge. In the midst of life's storms, turning to God and trusting in His goodness can bring comfort and strength. The promise that God is our refuge is not just a comforting thought but a reality that we can experience daily. [18:31]
When we seek God and bless Him, even in difficult circumstances, we find joy and peace in His presence. This act of seeking and blessing God is a declaration of our trust in His sovereignty and goodness. It is an invitation to experience His love and protection in a deeper way. Let Psalm 34 be a reminder to turn to God, trust in His goodness, and find refuge in His presence.
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek refuge in God's goodness? How can you intentionally bless the Lord today, even in the midst of challenges? Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you trust in His goodness.
Day 3: Living Out Our Faith
True faith in Jesus is evidenced by keeping His commands and walking as He walked. This is not about earning salvation but about the transformation that occurs when we follow Jesus. Our lives should reflect Christ's love and obedience, showing the world the reality of our faith. John emphasizes that knowing Jesus means living out our faith in tangible ways. This involves a daily commitment to follow His teachings and embody His love in our actions. [01:11:48]
Living out our faith is a journey of transformation. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, shaping us to be more like Christ. This transformation is visible in our actions, attitudes, and relationships. It is a testimony to the world that our faith is real and that Jesus is alive in us. Let us strive to live out our faith in a way that honors God and draws others to Him.
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: How is your faith being lived out in your daily actions? Are there areas where you need to align your actions more closely with Jesus' teachings? Ask God to help you live out your faith in a way that reflects His love and obedience.
Day 4: Loving One Another Sacrificially
John calls us to love one another as Jesus loved us, laying down our lives for our brothers and sisters. This sacrificial love is a powerful testimony to the world of our discipleship. It challenges us to put aside selfishness and serve others, reflecting the love of Christ in our actions. Loving sacrificially means going beyond our comfort zones and being willing to make personal sacrifices for the sake of others. [01:20:05]
This kind of love is not always easy, but it is what Jesus calls us to. It is a love that is patient, kind, and selfless. It is a love that seeks the best for others, even at a cost to ourselves. By loving one another sacrificially, we demonstrate the reality of our faith and the transformative power of the gospel. Let us strive to love others as Jesus loved us, showing the world the depth of His love through our actions.
1 John 3:16-18 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience sacrificial love today? How can you go beyond your comfort zone to serve and love them? Ask God to help you love others as Jesus loved you.
Day 5: Rejecting Worldliness
To follow Jesus, we must reject the desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride of possessions. These worldly temptations can distract us from our faith and relationship with God. By setting our hearts and minds on Christ, we can grow in holiness and experience the fullness of God's presence and purpose in our lives. John warns us about the dangers of worldliness and calls us to a higher standard of living. [01:25:24]
Rejecting worldliness involves a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with God over the fleeting pleasures and temptations of this world. It means being vigilant about what we allow into our hearts and minds and choosing to focus on what is eternal. By doing so, we can experience the richness of God's presence and the joy of living a life that honors Him. Let us commit to rejecting worldliness and pursuing holiness in every area of our lives.
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
Reflection: What worldly temptations are you struggling with today? How can you set your heart and mind on Christ instead? Ask God to help you reject worldliness and grow in holiness.
Quotes
1. "One of the most powerful things we can do as the people of God is simply cry out to our Lord who can do more in the blink of an eye than we can do in a lifetime. So if you would like to come to the altar, as I'm reading the scripture, I want to encourage you to come to the altar this morning. We're going to read this scripture in Psalm 34 together, and then we'll lead in a time of prayer." [16:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Father, in the midst of people feeling broken and hopeless and in despair, may they come to a place where they stop looking out and start looking up. May the church truly be a lighthouse in the community. May it rise up, serve well, and proclaim the good news of Jesus's love, his healing, and his peace." [20:43] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are not saved by works. We are saved by grace through faith. It is nothing that we can do to earn salvation. And yet salvation ought to make us intricately different from the inside out because of what Jesus has done for us. He says, this is how we know him, that we would keep his commands and that we would walk in accordance with his ways." [01:11:48] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The evidence of our faith is an outworking of our faith. The evidence of faith, our faith is that we would follow what God says to do and that we would live like Jesus himself lived, that our lives would absolutely look different from the inside and all the way out." [01:11:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As I follow Jesus, I begin to look more like Jesus. And so if I've been following Jesus for a long time, what I would think would begin to happen is not perfection. Be careful. Be careful. I'm not perfect. Be careful. You're not perfect, but we ought to be growing in our Christ likeness more and more. And if I look back and I don't see that growth in Christ likeness, I ought to stop and consider what the spirit is doing in my life." [01:13:34] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We understand that the world can do things that are loving. The world can do things that are altruistic. Yet as followers of Jesus, how much more should the love of God abound in the body of Jesus Christ? That we would love one another. That we would be reminded of Jesus's affection, his love for us." [01:20:05] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I believe that it is God's desire for his church to be a light in a dark world. And this is best accomplished according to scripture as we live in purity, holiness, not worldliness. And as we, as the tangible expression of God's kingdom on earth, the body of Christ, the church, are united together in love like his." [01:30:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God has called us in Jesus Christ to love him. As a matter of fact, going all the way back into the Old Testament, we are commanded as the people of Israel, we're commanded to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. We do that as we love what he loves and walk how he walks and serve how he serves and then go how he goes." [01:30:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "This morning, I want you to hear this, church family. God does love you. He proved it on his cross of Christ. And if this morning you're questioning God's love for you, I'll say it over and over again. His love for you sent Jesus to the cross so that you could be forgiven of your sins. His love for you rose Jesus back from the grave so that you might know you can have eternal life." [01:30:55] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Will we be the church that God has called us to be, above all else, to seek him, to trust him, to walk in his ways, to follow his commands? What is God calling you to lay on the altar? Whether it's up here or in your seat, he calls us to lay it down and to leave it there." [01:36:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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