Living Faithfully: Sacrifice, Generosity, and Community Support

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we had the privilege of sending off Brad, Amber, Jim, and T as they embark on a mission to Vanuatu, a remote island between Fiji and Australia. This mission is a testament to living by faith, as they leave behind the comforts of home to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have never heard it. We prayed for their safety and success, asking God to work supernaturally through them to touch the hearts of the unreached people they will encounter.

We also discussed the recent acquisition of land for our church, a significant milestone that comes with the challenge of a $40,000 monthly mortgage. Despite the economic difficulties many are facing, we are committed to paying off this debt quickly while continuing to support the poor and needy. This commitment aligns with the biblical principle found in Isaiah 58, which emphasizes the importance of sharing our resources with those in need as a true form of worship and fasting.

The sermon highlighted the importance of genuine faith, especially in times of trial. We heard testimonies of individuals in our community who are facing severe challenges, such as Rachel, who is recovering from a train accident, and others battling serious health issues. Their unwavering faith and peace amidst adversity serve as powerful examples of living out one's beliefs.

We were reminded of the Apostle Paul's life, a life marked by suffering and persecution, yet driven by an unshakeable faith in the promise of eternity. Paul's life challenges us to examine our own motives and actions, urging us to live in a way that reflects our faith genuinely and sacrificially.

Finally, we watched a moving video testimony from the wife of Walt Fuller, who recently passed away. Her story of experiencing God's peace and strength during her darkest week was a profound reminder of the power of prayer and the reality of God's presence in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Living by Faith: The mission to Vanuatu exemplifies living by faith, leaving behind comfort to spread the gospel. This act challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our faith and how we can support those who take such bold steps. [01:11]

- Commitment to Generosity: Despite financial challenges, we are called to continue giving to those in need. Isaiah 58 teaches that true worship involves sharing with the hungry and oppressed, promising that God will bless those who pour themselves out for others. [06:08]

- Faith in Adversity: The testimonies of those facing severe trials remind us that true faith shines brightest in the darkest times. Their peace and trust in God amidst suffering challenge us to deepen our own faith and reliance on God. [11:26]

- Authenticity in Faith: The Apostle Paul's life encourages us to live authentically, ensuring our actions align with our beliefs. Genuine faith is demonstrated through perseverance, love, and sacrifice, even when it costs us dearly. [27:32]

- The Power of Prayer and Community: The story of Walt Fuller's wife highlights the strength found in prayer and community support. Experiencing God's peace and presence during trials is a testament to the power of collective prayer and faith. [16:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Introduction of Mission Team
- [01:11] - Prayer for Missionaries
- [02:49] - Church Land Update
- [04:05] - Financial Challenges and Faith
- [05:40] - Biblical Call to Generosity
- [07:11] - Commitment to Global Needs
- [09:13] - Update on Rachel's Recovery
- [11:26] - Stories of Faith in Adversity
- [13:20] - Remembering Walt Fuller
- [14:36] - Video Testimony from Walt's Wife
- [16:31] - Experiencing God's Peace
- [19:36] - Faithfulness in Trials
- [23:23] - Real Faith in Real Life
- [27:32] - Paul's Example of Authentic Faith
- [38:22] - Call to Live Sacrificially
- [41:30] - Invitation to Baptism and Prayer
- [42:50] - Worship and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 58:6-10
2. 2 Timothy 3:10-17

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key challenges faced by the mission team going to Vanuatu, and how does their journey exemplify living by faith? [01:11]

2. How does the church's commitment to paying off the mortgage while continuing to support the needy reflect the teachings in Isaiah 58? [05:40]

3. What examples of faith in adversity were shared in the sermon, and how do these stories illustrate the power of faith during trials? [11:26]

4. How does the Apostle Paul's life, as described in 2 Timothy 3:10-17, serve as an example of authentic faith? [27:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the mission to Vanuatu challenge the congregation to consider their own sacrifices for faith? How might this inspire others to take bold steps in their spiritual journey? [01:11]

2. How does the church's financial strategy align with the biblical principle of generosity found in Isaiah 58? What does this say about the church's priorities and values? [05:40]

3. How do the testimonies of individuals facing severe trials, such as Rachel and Walt Fuller's wife, deepen our understanding of faith and reliance on God during difficult times? [11:26]

4. What lessons can be drawn from Paul's example of perseverance and authenticity in faith, and how can these lessons be applied to modern Christian living? [27:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the mission team's journey to Vanuatu. What is one comfort or convenience in your life that you feel called to sacrifice for your faith? How can you take a step towards this sacrifice this week? [01:11]

2. Considering the church's commitment to generosity despite financial challenges, how can you personally contribute to supporting those in need? Is there a specific action you can take this month to help someone less fortunate? [05:40]

3. Think about a time when you faced adversity. How did your faith influence your response? What can you learn from the testimonies shared in the sermon to strengthen your faith in future trials? [11:26]

4. How can you ensure that your actions align with your beliefs, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul? Identify one area in your life where you can demonstrate more authenticity in your faith. [27:32]

5. The sermon highlighted the power of prayer and community support. How can you actively participate in your church community to support others in their faith journey? Is there someone you can reach out to this week for prayer or encouragement? [16:31]

6. Reflect on the story of Walt Fuller's wife and her experience of God's peace. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and reliance on God in your own life, especially during challenging times? [16:31]

7. How does the example of Paul's life challenge you to live more sacrificially? What is one specific way you can live out your faith more genuinely this week? [27:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Sacrificial Faith in Action
The mission to Vanuatu is a profound example of living by faith, as individuals leave behind the comforts of home to share the gospel with those who have never heard it. This act of faith challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our beliefs. It is a call to examine our own lives and ask ourselves if we are truly living out our faith in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus. The mission team’s journey is not just about spreading the gospel; it is about embodying the message of love, hope, and sacrifice that Jesus taught. Their willingness to step into the unknown and trust in God’s provision is a powerful reminder of the depth of faith we are called to have. [01:11]

Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

Reflection: What is one comfort or security you feel God is calling you to step away from in order to live out your faith more fully?


Day 2: Generosity as True Worship
The recent acquisition of land for the church presents a financial challenge, yet the commitment to generosity remains unwavering. Despite economic difficulties, the church is dedicated to paying off the debt while continuing to support the poor and needy. This aligns with the biblical principle found in Isaiah 58, which emphasizes that true worship involves sharing resources with those in need. The promise is that God will bless those who pour themselves out for others. This commitment to generosity is a testament to the belief that worship is not just about songs and prayers but about living a life that reflects God’s love and compassion for all. [06:08]

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you practice generosity this week, even if it requires a sacrifice on your part?


Day 3: Faith Shining in Darkness
The testimonies of individuals facing severe trials, such as Rachel recovering from a train accident, highlight the power of faith in adversity. Their unwavering faith and peace amidst suffering serve as powerful examples of living out one's beliefs. These stories remind us that true faith shines brightest in the darkest times, challenging us to deepen our own faith and reliance on God. It is in these moments of trial that we are called to trust in God’s plan and find peace in His presence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [11:26]

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

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively choose to trust God and find peace in His presence today?


Day 4: Authenticity in Faith
The life of the Apostle Paul, marked by suffering and persecution, challenges us to live authentically, ensuring our actions align with our beliefs. Genuine faith is demonstrated through perseverance, love, and sacrifice, even when it costs us dearly. Paul’s life encourages us to examine our own motives and actions, urging us to live in a way that reflects our faith genuinely and sacrificially. It is a call to authenticity, to live a life that is true to the teachings of Jesus, and to let our faith be evident in all that we do. [27:32]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and decisions. Are there areas where your actions do not align with your beliefs? How can you bring them into alignment?


Day 5: The Power of Prayer and Community
The story of Walt Fuller's wife, who experienced God’s peace and strength during her darkest week, highlights the power of prayer and community support. Her testimony is a profound reminder of the reality of God’s presence in our lives and the strength found in collective prayer and faith. It is a testament to the power of community, where believers come together to support one another in times of need, lifting each other up in prayer and love. This story encourages us to lean into our community and trust in the power of prayer to bring peace and strength in our own lives. [16:31]

Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."

Reflection: Who in your community needs your prayers and support today? How can you reach out to them and offer your presence and prayers?

Quotes


Father I just thank you for these two families on this stage and what they represent Lord because they're living by faith they really believe that it's not about this time here on Earth but there's something greater and it's good news father and they're going to V want to Lord to spread the good news. [00:01:11]

I know it's a difficult time economically and our offerings have down the last you know few months um because of that but we're just asking you know what if everyone kind of jumps in a little bit I mean even everyone gives an extra five bucks um 10 bucks a week you know it's multiply that by 4,000 and you're going oh okay it goes pretty quickly if we all kind of jump in this thing together. [00:04:05]

Is this the kind of fasting that I wanted is is for you to take a day and to humble yourself is it to Bow your head like a reed and to spread SA cloth and Ashes under him he goes will you call this a fast a day acceptable to the Lord but then he says this is this is not this the fast that I choose to loose the bonds of wickedness to undo the straps of the Yoke to let the oppressed Go free to break every yoke. [00:05:40]

God goes you think I just wanted you guys to get together and weep and cry for a day and you thought I would answer your prayers he goes that's not what I'm listening to the type of fast I'm calling for he goes is when you see those who are in need and you pour yourself out to them he goes you start doing that I'll listen to you. [00:07:11]

It's just it's it's of God I feel like I'm seeing that all all over the place um another gal in our church who uh recently found out she's got cancer in her bones she's got a couple young kids and uh looking for a bone marrow transplant donor and but absolute peace going are you kidding me just the amazing piece. [00:11:26]

It's one thing for us to say that it's different when you're about to go under the knife and you say that it's it's it's one thing to sit talk about faith when we're here on Sunday morning it's another thing when your sister's lying on a table and wondering what's going to happen it's one thing to talk about our boldness it's another thing when you're coming before these television Executives and you're going to talk about your boldness and your faith in Christ. [00:13:20]

I feel the physical presence of the Lord in my life in a way I never ever have before not that I would wish this on anybody but to know that there's that peace that passes understanding the little kid song yeah the piece that passes understanding yeah yeah that now makes sense to me a crazy piece a piece that makes no sense at all we shouldn't have joy we shouldn't have laughter we we shouldn't have these things right now and we have them in abundance. [00:16:31]

Paul is telling Timothy look at the totality of my life and tell me if you can trust me or not look at everything about me and and we live in a world that is skeptical right I mean everyone's skeptical of each other but at the same time there's a sense in which I believe we're not skeptical enough we also live in a world where people don't think and they just start following people for one reason or another. [00:27:32]

Paul goes was I really after did you see me was I trying to get famous was I trying to get rich what was this all for was it a make a name for Paul he goes no you know that the goal of my life was to bring glory to Jesus Christ you saw it you saw it my teaching you saw it in my life you even saw it in my motivation my aim in life. [00:30:32]

Paul's life made no no sense unless he believed in eternity I I just want to read you know when you talk about Paul's suffering and his persecution in 2 Corinthians 11 he kind of lists it out second Corinthians 11 people were questioning Paul and he is he the real thing and and Paul says okay if I'm not the real thing then why in the world did I go through this. [00:33:36]

I believe them when they said they saw a guy rise from the dead because the moment they saw Jesus rise from the dead everything changed in their lives now they're like okay beat me kill me whatever I don't even care I just saw a Gody rise from the dead so here's all of my money here's all of my possessions I'll give it all to the poor and let me just go around telling people about Jesus. [00:36:22]

I love the faith I've seen in this church over the last few weeks it's made it obvious that many of you have found something better than your whole life better than your job better than your career and even better than family and doesn't mean that life is easy cuz it certainly wasn't easy for Paul it certainly wasn't easy for Jesus but they knew what they were living for it was the real faith. [00:41:30]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?