Living by Faith: Embracing God's Presence and Promises

Today is a day to give God thanks and praise, for He has been good to us. As we gather, we are reminded that our worship is not just about songs or rituals, but about entering His presence with gratitude, recognizing His faithfulness through every season. Even as we celebrate the achievements of our young people and the milestones in our community, we are called to remember that all we have and all we are is by the grace and mercy of God. We are not perfect, but God’s forgiveness and fresh starts are available to us every day.

At the heart of our journey is faith. Scripture repeats this truth: “The just shall live by faith.” This is not a churchy phrase or a Sunday-only idea—it is a daily requirement, a lifestyle. Faith is not optional for the believer; it is essential. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is what carries us through the uncertainties, the obstacles, and the trials of life. It is easy to talk about faith when things are going well, but true faith is proven when nothing makes sense, when the road is rough, and when answers seem far away.

Faith is persistent. Like the prophet Habakkuk, we may have questions, frustrations, and even complaints about the injustices and struggles we see and experience. But faith keeps us praying, even when our prayers are raw and unpolished. God can handle our honesty, and He desires that we keep coming to Him, trusting that He hears and answers.

Faith also gives us access to spiritual benefits that money cannot buy: peace in the midst of chaos, joy that the world cannot take away, purpose for our journey, stability when life feels unstable, and strength when we are weak. These are the gifts that come from walking by faith in God, not in ourselves or in anything else.

Finally, faith still works. It may not always make life easy, and we may not see every promise fulfilled in our timing, but faith enables us to persevere, to trust God even when we don’t understand, and to step out when the odds are against us. Just as a bumblebee flies against all logic, so can we rise above our circumstances by faith in God. The way through every obstacle is faith—faith in a God who is able, who is present, and who is working all things for our good.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith Is a Lifestyle, Not an Option Living by faith is not a seasonal or occasional act; it is the very foundation of our daily walk with God. Faith is required in every moment, not just when we gather for worship or face a crisis. Without faith, we cannot please God, and our relationship with Him remains incomplete. Let faith be the lens through which you see and respond to every situation in life. [56:16]
• 2. Persistent Prayer Is the Pathway Through Uncertainty Like Habakkuk, we may find ourselves frustrated, confused, or even angry at the state of our lives or the world. Yet, faith keeps us talking to God, even when we don’t have the right words or when God seems silent. Honest, persistent prayer is not about eloquence but about trust—a trust that God hears, understands, and will answer in His time. Keep praying, even when you feel unheard, for faith is forged in those moments. [69:33]
• 3. Faith Grants Access to Spiritual Benefits Money Can’t Buy Walking by faith opens the door to peace, joy, purpose, stability, and strength—gifts that cannot be purchased or earned. These spiritual benefits sustain us when material things fail and when circumstances are beyond our control. When you trust God, He provides what you truly need, even if it doesn’t always look like what you expected. Let your faith anchor you in these deeper blessings. [75:35]
• 4. Faith Prevails When Sight Fails Faith is most powerful when circumstances make no sense and the path ahead is unclear. It is easy to trust God when everything adds up, but true faith moves forward when the “math ain’t mathing” and the odds are against you. God often gives us just a word, not a detailed map, and asks us to step out. Trust Him enough to move when you cannot see, knowing that faith walks where sight cannot. [62:35]
• 5. Faith Still Works—Even When Life Is Hard Faith does not guarantee an easy life or immediate answers, but it does guarantee God’s presence and ultimate victory. Like those who came before us, we may not see every promise fulfilled right away, but we are called to persevere and trust God regardless. Declare in your heart that “faith still works,” and let that conviction carry you through every trial, knowing that God is faithful to His word. [87:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:04] - Call to Worship and Praise
• [09:33] - Prayer of Thanksgiving and Confession
• [19:41] - Expressions of Gratitude
• [21:10] - Praying for One Another and Announcements
• [22:59] - Celebrating Graduates and Achievements
• [25:44] - Upcoming Events and Acknowledgements
• [28:36] - Church Business and Unity
• [32:13] - Fellowship and Encouragement
• [35:15] - Additional Announcements and Celebrations
• [37:22] - Choir and Worship
• [44:45] - Prayer for the Word
• [50:32] - Scripture Readings: “The Just Shall Live by Faith”
• [56:16] - Faith as a Lifestyle
• [62:35] - Faith Walks When Sight Fails
• [69:33] - Persistent Prayer and Honest Faith
• [75:35] - Spiritual Benefits of Faith
• [80:08] - Strength and Perseverance Through Faith
• [87:56] - Faith Still Works
• [92:21] - Stepping Out on Faith
• [95:21] - Intercessory Prayer and Trust
• [99:16] - Giving and Campaign 50
• [104:04] - Closing Thanks and Blessing
• [108:01] - Benediction

Observation Questions

1. In Habakkuk 2:4, what does it mean that “the just shall live by his faith”? How is this phrase repeated in the other passages?
2. According to Hebrews 11:6, what two things must a person believe about God in order to please Him?
3. The sermon said, “Faith is not just some churchy concept. It’s a daily requirement.” What examples did the pastor give of faith being a lifestyle and not just a Sunday thing? [[56:16]]
4. What are some of the spiritual benefits of faith that the pastor listed, which money cannot buy? [[01:15:35]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the Bible repeats the phrase “the just shall live by faith” in both the Old and New Testaments? What is the significance of this for believers today?
2. The pastor said, “Faith walks when sight can’t.” What does it look like to move forward in faith when circumstances don’t make sense? [[01:02:35]]
3. How does persistent, honest prayer—even when it’s “raw and unpolished”—demonstrate faith? Why is it important to keep praying even when God seems silent? [[01:09:33]]
4. The sermon mentioned that faith gives us access to peace, joy, purpose, stability, and strength. How do these spiritual benefits help us endure difficult seasons? [[01:15:35]]

Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Faith is a lifestyle, not an option.” In what areas of your daily life do you find it hardest to live by faith instead of by sight? What would it look like to let faith guide your decisions this week? [[56:16]]
2. Think about a time when you prayed persistently but didn’t get an answer right away. How did you keep your faith during that season? Is there something you’re praying for now where you need to keep trusting God? [[01:09:33]]
3. The sermon talked about praying “raw and honest” prayers, not just polished ones. Is there something you need to be more honest with God about in your prayers? What’s holding you back? [[01:09:33]]
4. The pastor said, “Faith prevails when sight fails.” Can you share a situation where you had to step out in faith even though the outcome was uncertain? What did you learn from that experience? [[01:02:35]]
5. The sermon listed spiritual benefits of faith—peace, joy, purpose, stability, and strength. Which of these do you need most right now? How can you ask God for it and trust Him to provide? [[01:15:35]]
6. The pastor used the example of a bumblebee flying against all logic. Is there an area in your life where you feel the “math ain’t mathing,” but you sense God calling you to trust Him anyway? What step of faith could you take this week? [[01:32:21]]
7. The phrase “faith still works” was repeated in the sermon. What does it mean for you to declare “faith still works” in your current circumstances? How can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when life is hard? [[01:27:56]]