Perseverance in Faith Amid Life's Storms
Summary
### Summary
Today's message is a call to perseverance and faith, inspired by Hebrews 12:1-4. We are reminded that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, and we must throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles. We are to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and we are encouraged to consider Him so that we do not grow weary and lose heart.
The recent hurricane and the challenges it brought to our community serve as a powerful metaphor for the storms we face in life. Despite the physical and spiritual storms, we are reminded that God is greater than any natural disaster or personal trial. He is a good, loving, and merciful God who is always with us. The safest place to be is in the arms of God, regardless of our external circumstances.
The story of the disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee illustrates the peace that comes from trusting in God's goodness and love. Jesus was able to sleep peacefully in the midst of the storm because He trusted His Father. Similarly, Apostle Paul, even while in prison, encouraged others to rejoice and not be anxious, demonstrating that our peace comes from God, not our circumstances.
The recent North America Shepherds Conference, despite the hurricane, was a testament to the power of community and perseverance. The conference was moved to our church, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The fellowship, worship, and learning that took place were far more enriching than what could have been experienced at a hotel. This experience underscores the importance of community and the power of prayer.
We are called to live wisely, throw off everything that hinders us, and focus on the heavenly reward. Our lives should be a testament to our faith, filled with sacrifices that bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. We are reminded that our journey is long, and we must not grow weary or lose heart. Instead, we should press on, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
### Key Takeaways
1. Perseverance in Faith: We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and must throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and we are encouraged to consider Him so that we do not grow weary and lose heart. [00:50]
2. God's Sovereignty in Storms: The recent hurricane serves as a metaphor for the storms we face in life. Despite these challenges, we are reminded that God is greater than any natural disaster or personal trial. He is a good, loving, and merciful God who is always with us. The safest place to be is in the arms of God, regardless of our external circumstances. [03:11]
3. Peace in Trusting God: The story of the disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee illustrates the peace that comes from trusting in God's goodness and love. Jesus was able to sleep peacefully in the midst of the storm because He trusted His Father. Similarly, Apostle Paul, even while in prison, encouraged others to rejoice and not be anxious, demonstrating that our peace comes from God, not our circumstances. [05:54]
4. Power of Community and Prayer: The recent North America Shepherds Conference, despite the hurricane, was a testament to the power of community and perseverance. The fellowship, worship, and learning that took place were far more enriching than what could have been experienced at a hotel. This experience underscores the importance of community and the power of prayer. [10:04]
5. Living Wisely and Focusing on the Eternal: We are called to live wisely, throw off everything that hinders us, and focus on the heavenly reward. Our lives should be a testament to our faith, filled with sacrifices that bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. We are reminded that our journey is long, and we must not grow weary or lose heart. Instead, we should press on, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. [39:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Reading from Hebrews 12:1-4
[01:38] - Personal Story: Hurricane Experience
[02:19] - Importance of Light and Power
[03:11] - God's Sovereignty Over Nature
[04:35] - Jesus in the Storm
[05:54] - Apostle Paul's Peace in Prison
[07:18] - Encouragement from Paul
[08:31] - North America Shepherds Conference
[10:04] - Hosting the Conference at Church
[11:37] - Community Support and Service
[12:23] - Hospitality and Fellowship
[13:03] - Conference Success and God's Work
[14:16] - Power of Prayer in the Sanctuary
[15:32] - Worship and Fellowship at Church
[16:37] - Commitment to Serve
[17:07] - Encouragement to Serve Faithfully
[18:09] - Gratitude from Conference Participants
[19:14] - Call to Duty and Sacrifice
[19:53] - John 12:24-25: Sacrifice and Fruitfulness
[20:24] - Understanding Sacrifice
[21:17] - Personal Sacrifice and Commitment
[21:51] - Investing in Eternal Life
[22:24] - Serving as Plenary Speaker
[23:01] - Joy in Serving Others
[23:29] - Glimpse of Heaven
[24:00] - Fellowship and Worship in Heaven
[24:19] - Heaven's Activities
[24:37] - Perfect Unity in Heaven
[24:57] - Church as a Home for Many
[25:16] - Role of Our Church in House Church Ministry
[25:32] - Privilege and Blessing of Our Church
[25:50] - Commitment to Serve Other Churches
[26:07] - Faithful Service and God's Blessing
[26:26] - Role of Pastors and Churches
[26:44] - Learning from New Life
[26:59] - Commitment to House Church Ministry
[27:13] - Providing Conferences Until Christ Returns
[27:32] - Blessing Through Giving and Serving
[27:49] - Encouragement to Serve
[28:03] - Serving for God's Kingdom
[28:16] - Vigilance in Faith
[28:37] - Avoiding Stupidity and Foolishness
[28:52] - Consequences of Foolish Actions
[29:13] - Praying Against Temptations
[29:31] - Avoiding Meaningless Church Life
[29:50] - Purpose of the Church
[30:10] - Building the Church Jesus Envisioned
[30:33] - Avoiding Entertainment-Driven Church
[30:48] - Commitment to Jesus' Agenda
[31:05] - Restoring Oneness and Unity
[31:22] - Saving the Lost and Making Disciples
[31:39] - Mission of A&M Students
[32:16] - Meaningful and Life-Giving Church Life
[32:32] - Importance of Unity and Oneness
[32:47] - Pressing On in Faith
[33:01] - Encouragement to Serve
[33:18] - Mission of A&M Students
[33:39] - Commitment to VIPs
[33:53] - Life-Giving Service
[34:09] - Joy in Serving
[34:26] - Food of Doing God's Will
[34:42] - Encouragement from Others
[34:59] - Commitment to New Life
[35:13] - Avoiding Superficial Church Life
[35:28] - Commitment to Jesus' Vision
[35:45] - Vigilance in Faith
[36:00] - Avoiding Church Politics
[36:16] - Pressing On in Faith
[36:30] - Avoiding Division and Meaninglessness
[36:45] - Encouragement from Hebrews
[37:00] - Context of Hebrews
[37:15] - Encouragement to Not Grow Weary
[37:30] - Persecution and Faith
[37:44] - Encouragement to Persevere
[37:59] - Avoiding Weariness and Losing Heart
[38:18] - Encouragement to Press On
[38:34] - Living a Vital Christian Life
[38:48] - Encouragement to Not Grow Weary
[39:03] - Living a Vital Christian Life
[39:20] - Encouragement to Press On
[39:39] - Living a Vital Christian Life
[39:51] - Five Keys to Perseverance
[40:07] - Doing It Together
[41:04] - Living Wisely to Run Freely
[42:00] - Proper Attire for Spiritual Race
[43:01] - Throwing Off Hindrances and Sin
[44:12] - Mental Thoughts and Spiritual Race
[45:02] - Using God's Word to Block Lies
[46:02] - Psalm 139:13-14: God's Masterpiece
[47:02] - Encouragement to See Ourselves as God's Masterpiece
[47:38] - Avoiding Excessive Leisure Activities
[48:09] - Prioritizing Important Things
[49:02] - Avoiding Sin that Entangles
[50:03] - Confessing Sin to Run Freely
[51:00] - Reprioritizing Life
[51:14] - Encouragement to Not Give Up
[51:31] - Running with Perseverance
[52:01] - Personal Marathon Experience
[52:42] - Encouragement from Community
[53:08] - Pressing On in Christian Life
[53:24] - Encouragement to Persevere
[53:39] - Encouragement to Not Quit
[54:06] - Focus on Heavenly Reward
[54:20] - Fixing Eyes on Jesus
[55:04] - Considering Jesus' Endurance
[56:04] - Focusing on Heavenly Reward
[57:00] - Living for Eternal Reward
[57:14] - Encouragement to Live for Eternity
[57:36] - Warning Against Living for Earthly Life
[57:55] - Encouragement to Live for Eternity
[58:21] - Warning Against Negating Resurrection
[59:07] - Encouragement to Consider Jesus
[01:00:12] - Focusing on Heavenly Reward
[01:00:26] - Encouragement to Press On
[01:00:46] - Reflection on Time and Eternity
[01:01:14] - Encouragement to Live for Eternity
[01:01:28] - Reflection on Final Day
[01:02:10] - Showing Scars of Service
[01:02:53] - Encouragement from Ancestors of Faith
[01:03:39] - Miracles and Faith
[01:04:32] - Suffering and Faith
[01:05:18] - Ancestors' Suffering for Faith
[01:06:13] - Encouragement to Press On
[01:07:11] - Pressing On in Faith
[01:08:59] - Striving for Oneness and Unity
[01:09:58] - Pressing On for Another 25 Years
[01:10:43] - Hosting North America Shepherds Conference
[01:11:25] - Praying for Conference Leaders
[01:12:01] - Sacrifice and Ministry
[01:12:46] - Global Impact of House Church Conference
[01:13:34] - Praying for Conference Success
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 12:1-4 (NIV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:1-4 encourage believers to do in their spiritual journey?
2. How did Jesus demonstrate perseverance according to Hebrews 12:2? [00:50]
3. What metaphor is used in the sermon to describe the challenges we face in life? [03:11]
4. How did the recent North America Shepherds Conference illustrate the power of community and prayer? [10:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles" in the context of Hebrews 12:1? How can this be applied in our daily lives?
2. How does the story of Jesus sleeping during the storm on the Sea of Galilee illustrate trust in God's goodness and love? [04:35]
3. In what ways did Apostle Paul demonstrate peace and encouragement despite his imprisonment? [05:54]
4. How did the experience of hosting the North America Shepherds Conference at the church, despite the hurricane, serve as a testament to perseverance and community? [10:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. What are some things that hinder you or sins that easily entangle you? How can you begin to throw them off this week? [00:50]
2. Think about a recent "storm" in your life. How did you respond to it? What can you learn from Jesus' example of peace and trust during the storm on the Sea of Galilee? [04:35]
3. Apostle Paul encouraged others to rejoice and not be anxious even while he was in prison. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of peace and encouragement in your current circumstances? [05:54]
4. The recent North America Shepherds Conference highlighted the importance of community and prayer. How can you actively contribute to building a stronger sense of community and prayer within your small group or church? [10:04]
5. The sermon emphasized living wisely and focusing on the eternal reward. What specific steps can you take this week to prioritize your spiritual growth and focus on the heavenly reward? [39:51]
6. How can you support and encourage others in your community who may be facing their own storms or challenges? What practical actions can you take to show them God's love and support? [03:11]
7. Reflect on the sacrifices you have made for your faith. How can you continue to live a life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God, even when it requires personal sacrifice? [19:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Perseverance in Faith
We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and must throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and we are encouraged to consider Him so that we do not grow weary and lose heart. [00:50]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one specific sin or hindrance in your life that you need to throw off to run your race with perseverance? How can you fix your eyes on Jesus today to help you overcome it?
Day 2: God's Sovereignty in Storms
The recent hurricane serves as a metaphor for the storms we face in life. Despite these challenges, we are reminded that God is greater than any natural disaster or personal trial. He is a good, loving, and merciful God who is always with us. The safest place to be is in the arms of God, regardless of our external circumstances. [03:11]
Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."
Reflection: Think of a recent "storm" in your life. How did you see God's sovereignty and goodness in that situation? How can you trust Him more in your current or future storms?
Day 3: Peace in Trusting God
The story of the disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee illustrates the peace that comes from trusting in God's goodness and love. Jesus was able to sleep peacefully in the midst of the storm because He trusted His Father. Similarly, Apostle Paul, even while in prison, encouraged others to rejoice and not be anxious, demonstrating that our peace comes from God, not our circumstances. [05:54]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to find peace? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's goodness and love to experience His peace?
Day 4: Power of Community and Prayer
The recent North America Shepherds Conference, despite the hurricane, was a testament to the power of community and perseverance. The fellowship, worship, and learning that took place were far more enriching than what could have been experienced at a hotel. This experience underscores the importance of community and the power of prayer. [10:04]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community this week? What specific steps can you take to strengthen your fellowship and prayer life with others?
Day 5: Living Wisely and Focusing on the Eternal
We are called to live wisely, throw off everything that hinders us, and focus on the heavenly reward. Our lives should be a testament to our faith, filled with sacrifices that bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. We are reminded that our journey is long, and we must not grow weary or lose heart. Instead, we should press on, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. [39:51]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What are some earthly distractions that are hindering your focus on the eternal? How can you realign your priorities to live wisely and bear fruit for God's Kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is greater than the nature, and God is greater than these natural disasters, because he created the nature, and he knows what he's doing in this world. One thing we know for sure about what's being done in this world and everything else, that's because God is greater. but God is. He never makes any mistakes. Anything that happens in this world is not by God's mistake. God never says, oops. There's no oops in God's dictionary." [03:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The safest place to be in this world, is in the arms of God. It doesn't matter what the outside circumstance is like. If we are in the arms of God, that is the safest place to be. You know, when the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee from one end to the other, they encountered a severe storm with mighty winds. They were terrified because they were scared and that they were wondering if they were all going to drown to die." [04:35] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do not be anxious about the future. Do not be anxious about the future. Do not worry about anything. Do not worry. That's what Jesus said. If God, this mighty God, is for you and not against you, there's nothing to worry in this world. Therefore, Jesus was convinced that nothing was going to happen to Him because God was for Him." [05:54] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It is always through our sacrifice and death that others experience fruit and a life. By now, you should know that John chapter 12, verses 24 and 25 are one of my favorite passages. Let's read this together in one voice. Ready? Begin. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, if it dies, if it dies, it produces many seeds." [19:53] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do yourself a favor by sacrificing your life here on this earth so you can have eternity, abundant eternity that is to come. Be a wise man. Be a wise woman. Invest your life with things that will last forever." [21:51] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our mood and our feelings get dictated and controlled by the outside circumstances so often. But Paul did not allow that. Yes, I am in this dark, dungeon-like prison. My situation is really bad and bleak. However, I have God in my life. God's presence is with me. And if God is for me, nothing can be against me. And that's why he was able to experience peace." [07:18] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do not grow weary and lose heart. Are you guys tired? I am not talking about physical fatigue. Are you tired? Are you serving as a shepherd, shepherd's wife, ministry team leaders in various different capacities, living your Christian life? In doing that, serving God, are you growing weary and are you losing heart? God is telling you not to be that way. He does not want you to be that way." [39:03] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Christianity is a communal religion, guys. We do not do this alone by ourselves. Nobody is on an island. If you think you can do Christianity by yourself, you are badly mistaken. Buddhism is an individual enlightenment religion. That's why they do under the tree. It's an individual thing. Do you see Buddhists doing this together, you know, worshiping Buddha? They don't do that. It's an individual one that we do communally with one other, each other." [40:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do not give up. Do not give up. Verse 1 says, and let us run with perseverance. Do not give up. The race marked out for us. In running a long distance marathon you must learn to persevere otherwise you won't be able to finish the race. I ran a marathon when I turned six years old. I didn't train much but I did it anyway. And I was doing just fine." [51:31] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Focus on the heavenly reward. It says fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and the perfecter of faith for the joy set before him he endured the cross scorning his shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God consider him it tells us two things fix your eyes on Jesus and consider Jesus who endured such opposition from sinners." [54:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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