God's Unwavering Love: Assurance and Hope in Faith
Summary
Today, I shared a deeply personal sermon, reflecting on my journey and the profound truths of God's unwavering support and love for us. I began by recounting my initial days as a pastor here, filled with nothing but a willing heart and availability, which I believe are crucial for anyone stepping into a new role or phase in life. I emphasized how, despite the lack of resources and experience, the conviction that God had called me here was enough to sustain and guide me through the challenges.
I then delved into the powerful message of Romans 8, which reassures us of God's eternal support. I highlighted how nothing can separate us from the love of God, not tribulation, distress, or any peril we face. This scripture has been a cornerstone of my faith and ministry, reminding us that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
A poignant part of my message was the story of a man who, despite facing a terminal illness, found salvation and hope in his final days. This story was a testament to the fact that it's never too late to turn to God, and His grace is always accessible, regardless of the circumstances.
I also shared a personal anecdote about a misunderstanding with a deacon early in my ministry, which taught me the importance of humility and reliance on God's wisdom rather than human approval. This experience underscored the lesson that our qualifications come from God, not from our credentials or the approval of others.
Towards the end of the sermon, I invited the congregation to reflect on their own lives, encouraging those who felt uncertain about their relationship with God to take steps towards securing their faith. I stressed the importance of knowing without doubt that heaven is your home, which is a gift freely given by God through faith in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, I reiterated the three pivotal truths that have guided my ministry: God is with us, God is in us, and God is for us. These truths are simple yet profound and can transform how we live our daily lives, facing challenges with the assurance of His presence and support.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Call Transcends Qualifications - When I first became a pastor, I was not the most qualified candidate in traditional terms, but God's call was clear. This teaches us that God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, allowing His light to shine through our imperfections. [38:05]
2. The Assurance of Salvation - The story of the man who found Christ on his deathbed reminds us that God's grace is boundless and available until our very last breath. This should motivate us to live fully for Christ every day and offer the same hope to others, regardless of their past or present circumstances. [41:06]
3. Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love - Romans 8 powerfully declares that no external circumstances or powers can disconnect us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This promise should be a bedrock of our faith, especially during trials, affirming our security in His eternal love. [43:53]
4. The Importance of Knowing You're Saved - It's crucial not only to live a life of faith but also to have the assurance of salvation. This certainty enables us to face life's uncertainties with confidence and courage, knowing our eternal destiny is secured through Christ. [01:07:56]
5. God's Provision and Protection - Reflecting on my early days and the growth of our church community, I've seen firsthand how God provides and protects. This should encourage us to trust in His provision and timing, knowing He prepares the path ahead even when we cannot see it. [50:43]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [34:45] - Introduction and Personal Reflection
- [38:05] - God's Call and Qualifications
- [41:06] - Story of Last-Minute Salvation
- [43:53] - Assurance of God's Love
- [47:45] - God's Unconditional Love and Support
- [49:43] - Exploring Romans 8
- [50:43] - God's Provision and Protection
- [01:07:56] - Invitation to Secure Faith
- [01:10:02] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 8:31-39
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the two things the pastor had to offer when he first became a pastor? ([38:05])
2. According to Romans 8:31, what is the significance of God being for us?
3. What story did the pastor share about a man who found salvation in his final days? ([41:06])
4. How does Romans 8:35-39 describe the things that cannot separate us from the love of God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the pastor emphasized the importance of availability and a willing heart over traditional qualifications? ([38:05])
2. How does the story of the man with a terminal illness illustrate the concept of God's boundless grace? ([41:06])
3. What does it mean to be "more than conquerors" through Him who loved us, as stated in Romans 8:37?
4. How can the assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love impact our daily lives, especially during difficult times? ([43:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified for a task but sensed God's calling. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([38:05])
2. The pastor shared a story about a man who found salvation at the end of his life. How does this story challenge or encourage you in your approach to sharing your faith with others? ([41:06])
3. Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" How can this truth help you face current challenges or fears in your life?
4. The pastor mentioned a misunderstanding with a deacon that taught him humility and reliance on God's wisdom. Can you recall a similar experience in your life? How did it shape your faith? ([39:38])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of knowing without doubt that heaven is your home. Do you have this assurance? If not, what steps can you take to secure your faith? ([48:34])
6. How can the truths that "God is with us, God is in us, and God is for us" transform your approach to daily challenges and decisions? ([47:03])
7. The pastor invited the congregation to reflect on their relationship with God. Take a moment to evaluate your own relationship with God. What steps can you take this week to deepen your faith and trust in Him? ([01:07:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Call Beyond Qualifications
God does not always choose those who are outwardly equipped for His work; instead, He equips those He calls. This truth is vividly illustrated in the journey of those who step into roles they feel unprepared for, only to find that God provides the necessary strength and wisdom. This is a reminder that our inadequacies are often the spaces where God's glory shines brightest, as He uses our weaknesses to display His power. This principle encourages us to step out in faith, trusting that God's call is sufficient, regardless of our perceived limitations. [38:05]
2 Corinthians 3:5-6, "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel inadequate yet sense God's calling? How can you step forward in faith, trusting in His sufficiency?
Day 2: Boundless Grace at Life's End
The story of a man finding salvation in his final days underscores the boundless nature of God's grace, available to us until our very last breath. This narrative invites us to live fully for Christ every day and to extend hope to others, regardless of their past or present circumstances. It's a powerful reminder that no matter the timing, God's grace can transform lives, offering salvation and hope even in the eleventh hour. This should motivate us to not only cherish our own salvation but also to be vessels of God's grace to others. [41:06]
Isaiah 55:6-7, "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope and grace found in Christ? How can you actively share this truth with them this week?
Day 3: Unshakeable Security in God's Love
Romans 8 teaches us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This profound truth should serve as the bedrock of our faith, especially during trials. It affirms that no external circumstances or powers can disconnect us from His love, providing us with a sense of security and peace that transcends all understanding. This promise allows us to face life's challenges with courage, knowing we are eternally held in His loving embrace. [43:53]
Hosea 2:19-20, "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or hardship. How can you actively trust in God's unchanging love to sustain you through this time?
Day 4: The Assurance of Our Salvation
Understanding and securing our salvation is crucial for living a life of confidence and purpose. Knowing without doubt that heaven is our home frees us from the fear of death and the uncertainties of life. This assurance empowers us to live boldly for Christ, making decisions and taking actions that reflect our eternal perspective. It's essential for every believer to grasp this truth deeply, allowing it to influence every aspect of their lives. [01:07:56]
1 John 5:13, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
Reflection: How does knowing your salvation is secure affect your daily decisions and interactions? Are there areas of your life where this assurance could bring more peace?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision and Protection
Reflecting on the early days of any challenging endeavor, we can often see how God's hand was at work, providing and protecting even when the path ahead seemed unclear. This should encourage us to trust in His provision and timing for our lives, knowing that He prepares the way and equips us for what lies ahead. This trust in God's provision and protection helps us to step out in faith, even when we cannot see the entire road ahead. [50:43]
Genesis 22:14, "So Abraham called the name of that place, 'The Lord will provide'; as it is said to this day, 'On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you need to trust more in God's timing and provision? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this trust?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I close with this, and I know many of you doubted I could get to it at the right time. But listen, years ago I read a story about a young man who grew up in England wanting to get to the United States, so he worked very, very hard to save up his money. And he saved all he could save because he wanted to get to the United States to get a better life. And finally he bought him a ticket. Back in those days, it was all by ship. And he bought his ticket to get on that ship, and he carried a meager little amount of food because he knew that he probably wouldn't be able to eat there. So he ate all of his food up, and when he ran out, he would go by the windows to look in the dining hall of the big ship where the rich folks, he thought, were eating. he could smell it, and his stomach was growling, like maybe some of yours is this morning. Mine probably is, too. And he smelled it and smelled it, and he just got so hungry. Finally he stopped the steward and he said, Look, could I just have some of the scraps? And the steward said, Let me see your ticket. And he looked at it, and he said, Sir, you bought a first-class ticket. You could have been eating here all the time. Folks, we got a first-class ticket. Hallelujah, what a Savior we serve. I want to tell you folks, God's with us, God's in us, and God's for us." [01:05:24]
2. "I don't have to live by faith. I still live by faith. There's a lot I don't know, but as I look back 38 years later and walk into this place saying, God, I don't know one thing about, I've never been a pastor. That wasn't what, I mean, I didn't want to be a pastor. I didn't want to be the preacher. Matter of fact, I made the statement, don't ever say this. I'll never do that. I said, I may pastor, but it'll never be under what Baptist church. I know God has got a sense of humor. He has to have. He provides for you." [51:39]
### Quotes for Members
1. "But it illustrated a great point. God doesn't put us really in the bagging status. He's going to supply us. But look, listen, I live from hand to mouth, from his hand to my mouth. That's the way we ought to live. Now, I'm not talking about financially be a wreck. I think you ought to make good decisions, and I hope I have. But listen, you wouldn't be here today if God. I didn't give you the help. You couldn't get up and breathe if God didn't allow it. So God is with you, in you, and for you. Finally, not only does he sustain us, but nobody can separate us." [01:03:19]
2. "And I'm afraid there are a lot of people have bad experiences. I know people that are mad at God. Bottom line, they're mad about things. But when it all ends up, they're blaming God. I want to tell you something. God's not against you. He's for you. We're sitting here this morning, fellowshipping with the staff, and the light started blinking. I said, oh, the devil knows I'm here today. I'm telling you. I got news the devil hates me, but I got some more news I hate him. The difference is, he'll shoot you in the back. He doesn't play fair. Folks, I want to tell you something. God's for you." [47:45]
3. "Number one, he shields us. Look at verse 31. What shall we say? If we do these things, if God be for us, then who can be against us? God is taking up for us when we don't even know it. You see, he is our strength and shield according to the psalmist. I can tell you over and over in my life, I look back at how many times God has shielded my life. And you can't say he has it to you because I guarantee if you drive, you run a stop sign or a traffic light somewhere, and easily there could have been somebody coming through just like that and killed you. I've actually run. I stopped signs, and the minute I went through, I realized I ran it. Thank you, God, for taking care of me. We've all had near accidents and go, was God watching out for you folks? One, he shields you. Number two, he supplies you." [49:43]
4. "I mean, we're talking about in the early 80s. And I said, there's no way anybody would give it. Well, they did. Not 100%. It was illegal money. And the minute it came in. I'm telling you, when it came into possession of us, the minute they cut the power off, they stole all the wiring out. Stole the bathtub, Richard. I can't remember all they stole. It was one of those cast iron things. They knew what was worth anything. We pushed the house down. But here's what I want you to understand. God had big plans for his church." [55:39]
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