Rooted in Faith: Stability, Joy, and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, I want to share a message that is deeply rooted in faith, stability, and purpose. For 30 years, I have witnessed the steadfastness and authenticity of our pastor, a man of faith and character. This church has been a pillar for many, and I see familiar faces who have been here for 10, 15, or even 20 years. However, some of you struggle with stability, hopping from one church to another. God calls us to be stable, to be planted in one place, and to grow there. Stability is crucial for spiritual growth and community impact.
In Uganda, our church members are committed and steadfast, worshiping God with joy despite challenging conditions. They are changing the nation through their unwavering faith and dedication. We, too, must be solid and steadfast because we are a people of place, time, and purpose. Your life here on earth matters, and you are here to carry out God's purposes. You can't do this without the help of a local church. You are in your home, workplace, and church for a divine purpose. You are the initiator, the activator, and the one who prays things into existence.
We must also learn to fight our battles with joy. In the story of Jehoshaphat, God instructed the people to appoint singers and worship teams to go before the army, singing about His mercy and goodness. They won the battle through joy and celebration, even before engaging the enemy. Joy is not just a luxury; it is a weapon. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it brings victory. When a sinner is converted, there is joy in heaven. We must strive to fill this house with true joy by winning souls for Christ.
Faith is another crucial element. The faith you bring to God's promises determines the results you get. Jehoshaphat applied faith to God's promises and rallied his troops, saying, "Tomorrow we will go out." Prayer is equally important. The kind of prayer you bring to a situation determines the spirituality you surround yourself with. You can't pray and worry at the same time. Total dependency on God's promises is essential.
God calls us to solidify our faith, to dig deep and take root. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish. Stability in your faith and church life is crucial for spiritual growth and prosperity. In Uganda, we have services every day, and people are always in the house of God. Being planted means being committed and consistent.
We also need to fight against various spirits that come against us, like the Hittites, Gagasites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Jebusites. These spirits represent terror, unbelief, obsession, addiction, limited vision, and destruction. We must overcome these spirits through faith, prayer, and reliance on God's Word.
Finally, I want to encourage you to have a big vision for your life. Don't live a limited, low life. God has called you for great things. Just like Pastor Chris had a vision for this church, which has grown from a small storefront to this beautiful building, you too can achieve great things through faith and perseverance.
Let's pray together and ask God to solidify our faith, give us stability, and help us overcome the challenges we face. May we be strong, steadfast, and filled with joy as we carry out God's purposes in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stability in Faith and Community: Stability is crucial for spiritual growth and community impact. Being planted in one place allows you to grow and contribute meaningfully. God calls us to be stable, to be planted in one place, and to grow there. Stability is crucial for spiritual growth and community impact. [49:03]
2. Joy as a Weapon: Joy is not just a luxury; it is a weapon. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it brings victory. When a sinner is converted, there is joy in heaven. We must strive to fill this house with true joy by winning souls for Christ. [54:11]
3. Faith and Prayer: The faith you bring to God's promises determines the results you get. Jehoshaphat applied faith to God's promises and rallied his troops, saying, "Tomorrow we will go out." Prayer is equally important. The kind of prayer you bring to a situation determines the spirituality you surround yourself with. [41:03]
4. Overcoming Spiritual Challenges: We need to fight against various spirits that come against us, like the Hittites, Gagasites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Jebusites. These spirits represent terror, unbelief, obsession, addiction, limited vision, and destruction. We must overcome these spirits through faith, prayer, and reliance on God's Word. [01:01:45]
5. Big Vision for Life: Don't live a limited, low life. God has called you for great things. Just like Pastor Chris had a vision for this church, which has grown from a small storefront to this beautiful building, you too can achieve great things through faith and perseverance. [38:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:14] - Introduction and Gratitude
[17:08] - Growth of the Church in Uganda
[21:38] - Impact of Generosity
[23:18] - Call to Be Strong in Faith
[25:00] - Reading from 2 Chronicles 20
[31:12] - Importance of Standing Firm
[32:42] - Stability and Moving Forward
[37:10] - Vision and Faith
[38:19] - Pastor Chris's Vision
[41:03] - Faith and Prayer
[49:03] - Stability in Faith and Community
[50:44] - Purpose in Life
[54:11] - Joy as a Weapon
[58:17] - Winning Souls for Christ
[59:59] - Fighting Spiritual Battles
[01:01:45] - Overcoming Spiritual Challenges
[01:03:21] - Big Vision for Life
[01:10:50] - Encouragement and Prayer
[01:12:27] - Prayer for Strength and Victory
[01:17:28] - Call for Breakthrough
[01:24:15] - Support for the School in Uganda
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Chronicles 20:1-22 - The story of Jehoshaphat and the battle won through faith, prayer, and joy.
2. Psalm 92:13 - "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."
3. Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God and the call to stand firm in faith.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jehoshaphat's initial reaction when he heard about the approaching armies, and what did he do in response? ([23:18])
2. According to the sermon, what are the three purposes of our feet in a spiritual context? ([32:42])
3. How did the people of Judah win the battle against their enemies in 2 Chronicles 20? ([54:11])
4. What does Psalm 92:13 say about those who are planted in the house of the Lord?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is stability in faith and community emphasized as crucial for spiritual growth and community impact? ([49:03])
2. How does the story of Jehoshaphat illustrate the importance of faith and prayer in overcoming challenges? ([41:03])
3. What does it mean to use joy as a weapon in spiritual battles, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? ([54:11])
4. How can the spirits represented by the Hittites, Gagasites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Jebusites be seen in modern-day challenges? ([01:01:45])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own church attendance and involvement. Are you planted in your local church, or do you find yourself hopping from one place to another? How can you commit to being more stable? ([49:03])
2. Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you approach it? Did you use faith and prayer as Jehoshaphat did? How might you handle a similar situation differently in the future? ([41:03])
3. Joy is described as a weapon in the sermon. Can you recall a time when maintaining joy helped you overcome a difficult situation? How can you cultivate joy in your life, especially during tough times? ([54:11])
4. Identify one "spirit" (e.g., terror, unbelief, addiction) that you struggle with. What steps can you take to overcome this challenge through faith, prayer, and reliance on God's Word? ([01:01:45])
5. Pastor Jackson encouraged having a big vision for life. What is one area of your life where you feel you have limited vision? How can you expand your vision and trust God for greater things? ([38:19])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of winning souls for Christ. Who is one person in your life that you can share the gospel with? What practical steps can you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation? ([58:17])
7. Reflect on the concept of fighting spiritual battles with joy and faith. How can you incorporate these principles into your daily spiritual practices to strengthen your walk with God? ([54:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Stability in Faith and Community
Stability is crucial for spiritual growth and community impact. Being planted in one place allows you to grow and contribute meaningfully. God calls us to be stable, to be planted in one place, and to grow there. Stability is crucial for spiritual growth and community impact. [49:03]
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to jump from one commitment to another, seeking immediate gratification or avoiding discomfort. However, true spiritual growth requires stability and consistency. Just as a tree needs to be firmly rooted in one place to grow and bear fruit, so do we need to be planted in a community of faith. This stability allows us to build deep relationships, contribute meaningfully, and experience the fullness of God's work in our lives.
Being part of a local church is not just about attending services; it is about being an active, committed member of a community. It is in this context that we can grow spiritually, support one another, and make a lasting impact. Reflect on your own life and consider how you can deepen your commitment to your local church and community.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your commitment to your local church and community to foster spiritual growth and stability?
Day 2: Joy as a Weapon
Joy is not just a luxury; it is a weapon. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it brings victory. When a sinner is converted, there is joy in heaven. We must strive to fill this house with true joy by winning souls for Christ. [54:11]
Joy is often seen as a byproduct of favorable circumstances, but in the spiritual realm, joy is a powerful weapon. The story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 illustrates how joy and praise can lead to victory even before the battle begins. When we choose to rejoice in the Lord, we are not ignoring our challenges; we are declaring our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. This kind of joy is contagious and transformative, impacting not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.
True joy comes from knowing and experiencing God's love and grace. It is a joy that remains steadfast even in difficult times. As believers, we are called to spread this joy by sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ. When a sinner is converted, there is great joy in heaven, and this joy should also fill our hearts and our church.
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate and share the joy of the Lord in your daily life, especially in challenging situations?
Day 3: Faith and Prayer
The faith you bring to God's promises determines the results you get. Jehoshaphat applied faith to God's promises and rallied his troops, saying, "Tomorrow we will go out." Prayer is equally important. The kind of prayer you bring to a situation determines the spirituality you surround yourself with. [41:03]
Faith and prayer are inseparable in the life of a believer. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is through faith that we claim God's promises and see His hand at work in our lives. Jehoshaphat's story is a powerful example of how faith in God's promises can lead to miraculous outcomes. He did not wait for the battle to be won before praising God; he acted in faith, believing that God would deliver them.
Prayer is the means by which we communicate with God and align our hearts with His will. It is through prayer that we express our dependence on God and invite His presence into our circumstances. The quality and intensity of our prayers reflect our level of faith and trust in God. When we pray with faith, we create an atmosphere of spiritual power and victory.
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: What specific promises of God are you believing for in your life, and how can you strengthen your prayer life to align with those promises?
Day 4: Overcoming Spiritual Challenges
We need to fight against various spirits that come against us, like the Hittites, Gagasites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Jebusites. These spirits represent terror, unbelief, obsession, addiction, limited vision, and destruction. We must overcome these spirits through faith, prayer, and reliance on God's Word. [01:01:45]
In our spiritual journey, we will face various challenges and obstacles that seek to hinder our progress and growth. These challenges can be likened to the different tribes that the Israelites had to overcome in the Promised Land. Each tribe represented a specific type of opposition, such as fear, unbelief, and addiction. Similarly, we face spiritual battles that require us to be vigilant and proactive in our faith.
Overcoming these spiritual challenges requires a deep reliance on God's Word and the power of prayer. It is through faith that we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks and claim victory in Jesus' name. We must also be aware of the specific areas in our lives where we are vulnerable and seek God's strength and guidance to overcome them. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's promises and live a victorious Christian life.
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: Identify a specific spiritual challenge you are currently facing. How can you use faith, prayer, and God's Word to overcome it?
Day 5: Big Vision for Life
Don't live a limited, low life. God has called you for great things. Just like Pastor Chris had a vision for this church, which has grown from a small storefront to this beautiful building, you too can achieve great things through faith and perseverance. [38:19]
God has a unique and significant purpose for each of our lives. He calls us to live with a big vision, one that goes beyond our immediate circumstances and limitations. Just as the church grew from a small storefront to a thriving community, we too can achieve great things when we align our vision with God's purposes. This requires faith, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones.
Living with a big vision means dreaming big and trusting God to bring those dreams to fruition. It involves setting goals that align with God's will and taking practical steps to achieve them. It also means being open to God's leading and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of His kingdom. When we live with a big vision, we inspire others and make a lasting impact for Christ.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"
Reflection: What is the big vision God has placed in your heart? What practical steps can you take today to move towards that vision with faith and perseverance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You are here for purpose. God is taking you somewhere and God is anointing is on your life in Jesus' name even those that I can't see clearly in the balcony all across I can I mean you you are going to do incredible things for God you are going to live an incredible life for God you are going to fulfill great destinies amen." [23:18]
2. "Joy is a very important thing in the house of God. And God talks about joy, not just as something luxurious, but as a weapon. As a weapon. Joy is a weapon. Keep your joy. Rejoice in the Lord. Not when things are good. Rejoice in the Lord as what? As a weapon. And God wants us to be part of putting joy in the house of God." [54:11]
3. "The faith you bring to the promises of God, will determine the results you get out of the battle. I'll say it again. The faith you bring to the promises of God. Remember, Jehoshaphat said, here they are. They have come to throw us out of the promises. They are here to throw. He was, the devil was fighting the promises. So he said, they are here to fight and kick us out of the promises that you've given to us. But we're not going to heed that. So the kind of faith you apply to what God gives you as a promise is what determines the results." [41:03]
4. "Don't live a limited life. Don't live a low life. Don't live a primitive life. Don't live a, way, I'm, I'm just here. Me, mm-mm. I'm not into those big things or Pastor Chris, mm-mm. For me, I am here. They want to go to Brazil. They want to go to this. And change Africa. For me, I just want my little thing in my little way. Praise the Lord. Lift your hand and say, Jesus, give me a big vision for my life in Jesus' name." [01:06:14]
5. "God has called you to step up to the worldly stuff and come up to a way that God's going to use you powerfully in Jesus' name. Can you say amen? The spirit of the parasites. These are, this is a spirit of the village. Village. I'm in America. You have no villages. Do you have villages in America? Everything is developed here. But the spirit of the village means you are, it's a, it's a spirit of the limited vision. Limited vision. Uh, laziness, low self-esteem, and the spirit of, uh, unprotected, you know, territory. In other words, you live without walls. You live without fence. But at the same time, you live a low life, limited vision. Me, myself, and I, we're just going to hang up here and wait for something to be done. And if nothing is there, we're going to just be lazy and be cozy and do nothing with life. No one is like that." [01:06:14]
### Quotes for Members
1. "You have to be able to stable to stabilize so your feet is for stability it creates your foundation when you stand don't just stand there stand in the word of god when you stand on the word of god when you stand in the promises of god it creates what stability god wants you to be stable not shaky not wimpy not falling over not like if you don't do this for me i'm gonna leave the church no stay stable stay standing you have problems in your home stay standing you have problems at work stay standing that's why god has anointed your feet." [32:42]
2. "The joy of the Lord is our strength. Okay. What makes God joyous? The Bible says, if one sinner is converted, the Bible says what? There is joy in heaven for just seeing one sinner getting saved. Ah, I was preaching in Uganda. They will be standing everywhere. But you're not doing too bad. I've been to those ones that are really not good. You are great. Say, do you remember the gospel that talks about the lost things? There was one common denominator in all the stories. When a shepherd counted his sheep and found that one was lost, he went after it. And once he found it, put it on his shoulders, came back rejoicing. There was joy there. Because that which was lost was now found." [56:28]
3. "The kind of prayer you bring, a little prayer, no prayer, zero prayer, sloppy prayer, sleepy prayers, whatever prayer you give to the situation will determine the kind of spirituality that you're going to get. very important. Prayer is very, because there's nothing spiritual about us without prayer. Do you know that? Anybody can quote the scriptures. Even the Muslims can quote the scripture in my, in my country. You know, anyone can quote the scriptures, but they're not as spiritual because they are quoting scriptures. Even the devil can quote scriptures. He quoted them to Jesus. Okay? Anyone can quote the scripture, but once you apply prayer to the scriptures, you become spiritual. The matter is now spiritual. And the kind of prayer you bring to the situation will determine the kind of spirituality you're going to surround yourself with." [42:42]
4. "God is calling us to solidify our faith. is calling you to dig deep in your faith. God is calling you to really take root in your faith. God is calling you to take these things of Jesus seriously, immediately. God is calling us to be strong in whatever we are doing. God is calling us to be strong in our faith, but also in our church. The Bible says that they that are planted in the house of God shall flourish. How do you want, how many of you want to prosper in the Lord? The Bible says, that's the scripture by the way. Let me give it to you. Psalms chapter number 92, verse number 13. Psalm 92, 13. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God." [44:09]
5. "We are changing the world. We are changing the world. We are changing the country. We are changing and altering the landscape of our country because our people are committed, steadfast, strong, supportive, prayerful. They come every single day by the grace of God in Jesus' name. Can somebody say, I'm gonna be solid. Say it out. I'm gonna be solid. I'm gonna be steadfast. Why? Because we are a people of place. We are a people of time and we are people of purpose. That's very important. We are people of place. We are people of purpose. We are people of time and a people of purpose. So in other words, your life here on earth matters because you are here to carry out the purposes of God on your life. And you can never do that without the help of a local church." [50:44]
6. "The Hittites are known as the sons of terror. Somebody say sons of terror. So these spirits are, they are for torment, for phobias, for depression, and deceit. That is one tribe they had to fight. So this spirit was like, I am a Hittite, meaning I am a son of terror. I will terrorize you. I will shake you to the core. I'll make you feel you are not able to stand against me. These are giants. They are portraying themselves like they are humans. They are giants. They are giants. They are giants. They are giants. They are huge and they are throwing their weight around and they are trying to push back the children of Israel. They are trying to push back your life. You have to fight and overcome the spirit of terror, the spirit of torment, the spirit of phobia, the spirit of depression, the spirit of deceit in your life. How do you fight? By the word of God and trading down in Jesus' mighty name." [01:01:45]
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