Perseverance in Faith: Do Not Ring the Bell

Taking inspiration from the story of a Navy SEAL who persevered through immense challenges, I urge you today to "Do Not Ring the Bell." This phrase symbolizes the act of giving up, and I encourage you to hold on, no matter how dark or difficult your circumstances may seem. Christ is stronger, and His light is always greater. Through challenges, He teaches us perseverance and fortitude, which are spiritual muscles that we must develop to live for Him. In today's world, many churches have adopted a sugar-coated message, focusing more on motivation than conviction. However, we need both to grow in our faith.

Reflecting on James 5:10-11, we are reminded of the prophets who endured suffering for speaking God's truth. Their example teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when it is unpopular or challenging. Today, many churches shy away from speaking difficult truths, opting instead for messages that are politically correct. But as followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth in love, with a zeal for God's house that consumes us.

The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8 illustrates the power of desperation and determination. Despite her disappointment and damage, she was desperate enough to reach out to Jesus, believing that even touching the hem of His garment could heal her. Her faith and determination led to her deliverance. Similarly, we must be desperate for God, willing to do whatever it takes to encounter Him. This desperation should lead us to rearrange our lives, seek Him wholeheartedly, and fight against the enemy's attempts to defeat us.

Faith is vital in our walk with God. Without it, we cannot please Him or see Him move in mighty ways. True faith involves stepping out and trusting God, even when we don't see the full picture. It is about believing in His sovereignty and trusting that He is working all things for our good. As we diligently seek Him, He rewards us, and we experience His deliverance and power in our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Perseverance is a spiritual muscle that God develops in us through challenges. It is essential for living a life that honors Christ, especially in a world where many churches focus more on motivation than conviction. We must hold fast to our faith and not give up, trusting that Christ's light is greater than any darkness we face. [01:13]
• 2. The prophets serve as examples of enduring suffering for speaking God's truth. In today's world, many churches avoid difficult truths to be politically correct. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth in love, with a zeal for God's house that consumes us. [06:30]
• 3. The story of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us the power of desperation and determination. Despite her disappointment and damage, her faith and determination led to her deliverance. We must be desperate for God, willing to do whatever it takes to encounter Him. [11:47]
• 4. Faith is vital in our walk with God. Without it, we cannot please Him or see Him move in mighty ways. True faith involves stepping out and trusting God, even when we don't see the full picture. It is about believing in His sovereignty and trusting that He is working all things for our good. [31:07]
• 5. Delay in God's timing does not mean denial. We must trust that God's timing is perfect and that He is working behind the scenes, even when we don't see immediate results. Our faith should be rooted in His sovereignty and His promises, knowing that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. [38:02]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:09] - The Navy SEAL Story
• [00:45] - Do Not Ring the Bell
• [01:13] - Perseverance and Fortitude
• [02:32] - Challenges in Modern Churches
• [04:46] - The Example of the Prophets
• [06:30] - Speaking Truth in Love
• [09:08] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
• [11:47] - Disappointment and Determination
• [13:02] - Desperation for God
• [17:09] - Faith and Deliverance
• [31:07] - The Importance of Faith
• [38:02] - Delay is Not Denial
• [39:13] - Public Declaration of Faith
• [41:02] - Two Deaths, Two Lives

1. James 5:10-11
2. Luke 8:43-48
3. Hebrews 11:6

1. What does James 5:10-11 teach us about the prophets and their experiences? How does this relate to the idea of perseverance? [04:46]
2. In the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8, what actions did she take to reach Jesus, and what was the result of her actions? [09:08]
3. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is necessary to please God, and what does God promise to those who seek Him? [32:22]
4. How does the sermon describe the current state of many churches in relation to speaking difficult truths? [06:30]

1. How can the example of the prophets in James 5:10-11 inspire believers today to endure suffering for speaking God's truth? [04:46]
2. What does the woman's desperation and determination in Luke 8 teach us about the nature of faith and seeking God? [09:08]
3. How does the sermon suggest that faith is connected to seeing God move in mighty ways in our lives? [31:07]
4. What are the potential consequences for churches that avoid speaking difficult truths, according to the sermon? [06:30]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like "ringing the bell" and giving up. What helped you persevere, and how can you apply that experience to current challenges? [00:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love. How can you practice this in your daily interactions, especially when faced with unpopular or challenging topics? [06:30]
3. Consider the story of the woman with the issue of blood. What is one area in your life where you need to show desperation and determination to seek God? [09:08]
4. Faith is described as vital in our walk with God. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to step out in faith and trust God's sovereignty. [31:07]
5. The sermon mentions that delay in God's timing does not mean denial. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing in a specific situation you are facing? [38:02]
6. How can you ensure that your faith is not just a private matter but a public declaration of your commitment to Christ? What steps can you take to share your faith more openly? [39:13]
7. Reflect on the idea of being consumed with a zeal for God's house. What practical steps can you take to deepen your passion for God's truth and His church? [07:06]