Jesus: The Unchanging Foundation of Our Faith

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truth that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, as stated in Hebrews 13:8. This unchanging nature of Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that His character and actions remain constant despite the shifting sands of time and culture. We explored the dangers of reshaping Jesus to fit our personal preferences or societal norms, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the true representation of Jesus as depicted in the Scriptures. This is crucial because many voices in our world attempt to redefine Jesus, suggesting that His works and gifts are no longer relevant or active today. However, the Bible does not support such claims, and we must be vigilant in preserving the authenticity of the Gospel.

We also discussed the significance of living out our faith actively, not just in belief but in practice. The Gospel is not merely a historical document but a living, breathing testament of God's power and presence. We are called to embody this truth, to be vessels through which Jesus can work miracles and bring healing and deliverance to those in need. This requires us to be steadfast in our faith, to pray and fast, and to prepare ourselves as conduits for God's work. The challenges we face, whether they be sickness, addiction, or societal pressures, are opportunities for us to declare that Jesus is our healer, provider, and deliverer.

As a community, we are on a journey of faith, striving to increase our spiritual effectiveness and impact. We are not where we used to be, but we are committed to moving forward, to making a difference one life at a time. This is a house of activation, not accommodation, where we are called to labor, to struggle, and to fight for the truth of the Gospel. We are reminded that true love sometimes requires taking a stand, speaking truth, and not conforming to the world's standards. Our mission is to represent the Jesus of the Bible, to live out His teachings, and to be a light in a world that desperately needs the hope and healing that only He can provide.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus Christ's unchanging nature is a foundation of our faith, reminding us that His character and actions are constant despite cultural shifts. This truth challenges us to resist reshaping Jesus to fit personal or societal preferences, urging us to adhere to the authentic representation of Jesus as depicted in the Scriptures. [03:13]

- The Gospel is a living testament of God's power, not just a historical document. We are called to embody this truth, actively living out our faith by being vessels for miracles, healing, and deliverance. This requires steadfast faith, prayer, and preparation to be conduits for God's work. [36:46]

- True love sometimes requires taking a stand and speaking truth, even when it contradicts societal norms. We must not conform to the world's standards but instead represent the Jesus of the Bible, living out His teachings and being a light in a world that needs hope and healing. [12:24]

- Our journey of faith is about increasing our spiritual effectiveness and impact. We are committed to moving forward, making a difference one life at a time, and being a house of activation where we labor, struggle, and fight for the truth of the Gospel. [47:53]

- The challenges we face are opportunities to declare Jesus as our healer, provider, and deliverer. We must not be overwhelmed by these challenges but instead remember who Jesus is and trust in His unchanging nature to meet our needs and guide us through. [19:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:08] - Jesus Christ: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
- [02:04] - The Importance of the Gospel
- [03:13] - Jesus' Unchanging Nature
- [04:12] - The Continuity of Jesus
- [06:14] - The Danger of Redefining Jesus
- [08:29] - True Love Takes a Stand
- [10:10] - The Controversial Nature of the Bible
- [12:24] - God is Love, But...
- [14:32] - Speaking Truth in Love
- [15:44] - Jesus is the Same Today
- [19:05] - Declaring Jesus in Our Lives
- [21:52] - The Power of the Gospel
- [24:45] - The Sameness of God
- [28:12] - The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Today
- [36:46] - The Living Word of God
- [47:53] - Making a Difference One Life at a Time

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
- Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 13:8 tell us about the nature of Jesus Christ? How is this emphasized in the sermon? [03:13]
2. According to the sermon, what are some ways people attempt to reshape Jesus to fit their preferences? [06:14]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of the Gospel in our lives today, as opposed to being just a historical document? [36:46]
4. What examples were given in the sermon of challenges that can be opportunities to declare Jesus as our healer, provider, and deliverer? [19:05]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the unchanging nature of Jesus challenge the way we view cultural and societal changes? [04:12]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true love sometimes requires taking a stand and speaking truth? How does this relate to the concept of not conforming to the world's standards? [12:24]
3. What does the pastor mean by describing the church as a "house of activation" rather than "accommodation"? How does this relate to the mission of the church? [47:53]
4. How does the sermon interpret the living nature of the Word of God as described in Hebrews 4:12? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [34:50]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to reshape your understanding of Jesus to fit societal norms. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [06:14]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living out our faith actively. What is one specific way you can embody the Gospel in your daily life this week? [36:46]
3. Consider a situation where you need to take a stand for truth in love. How can you approach this situation with both grace and conviction? [12:24]
4. Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you declare Jesus as your healer, provider, or deliverer in this situation? [19:05]
5. The pastor speaks about increasing spiritual effectiveness and impact. What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel called to grow, and what steps can you take to move forward? [47:53]
6. How can you ensure that your understanding of Jesus is based on the authentic representation found in the Scriptures, rather than personal or cultural preferences? [08:29]
7. The sermon calls for preparation to be conduits for God's work. What specific actions can you take to prepare yourself spiritually for this role? [44:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unchanging Nature of Jesus
The constancy of Jesus Christ is a profound truth that anchors our faith. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This unchanging nature challenges us to resist the temptation to reshape Jesus to fit our personal preferences or societal norms. In a world where many voices attempt to redefine who Jesus is, it is crucial to adhere to the authentic representation of Jesus as depicted in the Scriptures. This steadfastness in understanding Jesus' true nature helps us navigate the shifting sands of time and culture, ensuring that our faith remains rooted in the truth. [03:13]

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them." (Hebrews 13:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to reshape your understanding of Jesus to fit your personal or societal preferences? How can you commit to seeking the true representation of Jesus in the Scriptures today?

Day 2: Living the Gospel Actively
The Gospel is not merely a historical document but a living testament of God's power and presence. We are called to embody this truth, actively living out our faith by being vessels for miracles, healing, and deliverance. This requires steadfast faith, prayer, and preparation to be conduits for God's work. As believers, we are encouraged to engage with the Gospel actively, allowing it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. By doing so, we become participants in God's ongoing work in the world, demonstrating His love and power in tangible ways. [36:46]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.'" (Mark 16:15-18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively live out the Gospel in your daily life today? What steps can you take to prepare yourself as a vessel for God's work?

Day 3: Standing for Truth in Love
True love sometimes requires taking a stand and speaking truth, even when it contradicts societal norms. As followers of Christ, we are called to represent the Jesus of the Bible, living out His teachings and being a light in a world that needs hope and healing. This means not conforming to the world's standards but instead standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. By doing so, we demonstrate genuine love, which is willing to speak truth even when it is difficult or unpopular. This commitment to truth and love is essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness as witnesses of Christ. [12:24]

"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." (Ephesians 4:25-27, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you need to take a stand for truth in love? How can you approach this situation with both courage and compassion today?

Day 4: A Journey of Faith and Impact
Our journey of faith is about increasing our spiritual effectiveness and impact. We are committed to moving forward, making a difference one life at a time, and being a house of activation where we labor, struggle, and fight for the truth of the Gospel. This journey requires perseverance and dedication, as we strive to grow in our faith and influence the world around us positively. By focusing on our spiritual growth and impact, we can fulfill our calling to be agents of change and transformation in our communities and beyond. [47:53]

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to increase your spiritual effectiveness and impact? How can you make a difference in the life of someone around you?

Day 5: Trusting Jesus in Challenges
The challenges we face are opportunities to declare Jesus as our healer, provider, and deliverer. We must not be overwhelmed by these challenges but instead remember who Jesus is and trust in His unchanging nature to meet our needs and guide us through. By trusting Jesus in the midst of difficulties, we demonstrate our faith and reliance on His power and presence. This trust enables us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that Jesus is with us and will provide the strength and guidance we need to overcome. [19:05]

"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." (James 1:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is a current challenge you are facing, and how can you trust Jesus to be your healer, provider, and deliverer in this situation? How can you declare His power and presence in your life today?

Quotes

"I don't want you to leave this house this morning impressed with any individual, any compartment, anything that goes on. I want you to be impressed with the presentation of the gospel, the gospel itself, and the demonstration of the gospel." [00:02:07] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"I love this passage because it lets us know that God is not influenced by circumstances or persuadable by the times in which you and I live. He is constant. And I love this next statement that Jesus was in the past. I love it." [00:03:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"There are people in our culture on the religious scene, the political scene, the social scene, the educational scene that are trying to remake Jesus. They literally are saying in essence that what he did then, he does not do now. Talk to me. Talk to me." [00:06:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"If there's addiction in your heart, in your family, and in your own life, you need to declare this morning that Jesus is my deliverer. He was a deliverer in the past. Yes, he'll be a deliverer in the future, but we need deliverance right now." [00:19:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"There's got to be a gospel that has some muscle. There's got to be a gospel that flexes its muscles on a Sunday morning, on a Sunday night, on a Wednesday night. In work, at play, there's got to be a gospel that's the same in this precious book." [00:34:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"There's a tremendous amount of pressure on all of us to know that the needs are more than we could ever imagine. And I told, and I'm back up to the conversation that I had publicly with this man, and I said, I'm sorry, you brought her to me and we did not help you." [00:42:31] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"I want to live in a church and be a part of a body that fully actualizes the God of the scriptures. That we are not batting 400, but we bat 500. And then we move to 600. That means six times out of 10 that we go to the plate, we get a base hit." [00:44:18] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?