Running the Race of Faith Together
Summary
Certainly! Here’s a summary, key takeaways, and YouTube chapters based on your sermon transcript:
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Summary (300-500 words):
This morning, we gathered as a church family to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to look forward with bold faith to what He is calling us to next. We rejoiced in the ordination of Pastor Caitlin and the granting of a local license to Michael Fasold, reminders that God continues to call and equip people for ministry among us. These moments are not just milestones for individuals, but for our entire church, as we witness God’s ongoing work and are reminded to pray for those who lead and serve.
Our focus today centered on the call to live by faith, inspired by Hebrews 11 and 12. The stories of faith from Scripture, as well as the examples of kingdom leaders throughout history and in our own lives, serve as a “cloud of witnesses” encouraging us to run our own race with endurance. These witnesses were not perfect, but their obedience, sacrifice, and faith made a lasting impact. Now, it is our turn to step forward, to identify and lay aside the weights and sins that hinder us, and to actively participate in the journey of faith rather than merely admiring it from the sidelines.
We reflected on the vision God has given our church—one that is both relational and missional. Over the years, God has blessed us with growth, new ministries, and transformed lives. Yet, with growth comes new challenges: our physical space is stretched, our ministries are expanding, and our need for deeper connections is greater than ever. In response, we are invited to imagine a future where our church is even more welcoming, equipped, and impactful for generations to come.
This vision requires two sacrificial commitments from each of us: to intentionally build relationships with those who do not yet know Jesus (“your one”), and to give generously above and beyond to support the next phase of our church’s development. We are reminded that every act of faith—whether relational or financial—matters deeply, and that God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.
As we look ahead, we are called to pray fervently, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, practice our faith in tangible ways, do the hard things God asks of us, and celebrate both what He is doing now and what He will do in the future. Together, we step forward, trusting that God will use our obedience to make a generational impact in our community and beyond.
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Key Takeaways
- The Power of a Faith Legacy: The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—biblical heroes, historical leaders, and personal mentors—whose imperfect but obedient lives have paved the way for us. Their stories remind us that God uses ordinary people who say “yes” to Him, and now it is our turn to step into that legacy and make our own mark for the next generation. [45:13]
- Identifying and Removing Barriers: Living by faith requires honest self-examination. We must recognize both external obstacles (like fear, busyness, and past hurts) and internal struggles (such as sin and selfishness) that keep us from fully trusting God. Only by naming and surrendering these barriers can we truly enter the “faith race” and experience the immeasurably more that God has in store. [47:11]
- Faith is Active, Not Passive: It is not enough to admire the faith of others or to stand on the sidelines. True faith is practiced through intentional steps—building relationships with those far from God, serving sacrificially, and giving generously. Each act of obedience, no matter how small, is a way of participating in God’s unfolding story and allows us to witness His power firsthand. [01:04:18]
- Endurance Through Focus on Jesus: The race of faith is long and often difficult, but we are called to run with endurance by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is both the initiator and perfecter of our faith, having endured the cross for the joy set before Him. When we focus on Him—through prayer, Scripture, and community—we find the strength to persevere and the courage to do hard things for the sake of others. [01:07:50]
- Celebrating God’s Work in Anticipation: Even as we face challenges and unknowns, we are invited to celebrate what God is doing and what He will do. Celebration is an act of faith—it acknowledges God’s past faithfulness, expresses gratitude for present blessings, and anticipates the fulfillment of His promises. As we pray, commit, and step forward together, we do so with joy, trusting that God will accomplish infinitely more than we could ever ask or imagine. [01:14:22]
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YouTube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - District Assembly Highlights
[02:30] - Celebrating Pastor Caitlin’s Ordination
[04:10] - Michael Fasold’s Local License
[06:00] - God’s Ongoing Call to Ministry
[08:00] - Praying Bold Prayers (Ephesians 3:20-21)
[10:00] - Hebrews 11: The Hall of Faith
[13:00] - The Cloud of Witnesses
[15:00] - Modern and Personal Faith Influencers
[17:00] - Our Turn: Living by Faith
[20:00] - Vision Narrative Video
[28:00] - Ministry Growth and Challenges
[34:00] - The Imagine Vision: Next Steps
[40:00] - Two Commitments: Relational and Financial
[44:00] - Running the Race with Endurance
[47:00] - Prayer, Focus, and Celebration
[50:00] - Invitation to Commitment and Q&A
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Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living by Faith Together
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### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
- Hebrews 11:1-2
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
- Hebrews 12:1-2
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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 12:1, what are some things that can hinder us or entangle us as we try to live by faith?
2. In the sermon, what examples were given of “the cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us in faith? ([45:13])
3. What two specific commitments did the church leadership ask everyone to make as part of the “Imagine” vision? ([01:04:18])
4. How does Ephesians 3:20-21 shape the way we pray and dream as a church? ([08:00])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the writer of Hebrews emphasize the importance of remembering those who have gone before us in faith? How does this help us in our own journey? ([45:13])
2. What might be some “weights” or “sins” in our lives today that keep us from running the race of faith with endurance? ([47:11])
3. The sermon says faith is “active, not passive.” What does it look like to move from being a spectator to a participant in God’s story? ([01:04:18])
4. Why is it important to keep our eyes on Jesus, especially when facing hard or uncertain steps of faith? ([01:07:50])
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### Application Questions
1. Who is someone in your life right now who doesn’t know Jesus (“your one”)? What is one practical way you can intentionally build a relationship with them this month? ([01:04:18])
2. Think about your own journey—are there any fears, past hurts, or habits that are holding you back from fully trusting God? What is one step you can take this week to surrender that to Him? ([47:11])
3. The sermon challenges us to give sacrificially, not just financially but also with our time and relationships. What is one area where you feel God is asking you to step out in faith, even if it feels hard or uncomfortable? ([01:12:55])
4. How can you make prayer a more regular and central part of your life as you seek to follow God’s vision for our church? Is there a specific time or way you want to commit to prayer this week? ([01:08:49])
5. When you look at the “cloud of witnesses” in your own life—family, mentors, friends—how have they shaped your faith? Is there someone you want to thank or learn from this week? ([45:13])
6. The sermon invites us to celebrate what God is doing now and what He will do in the future. What is one thing you can celebrate and thank God for today, even if you’re still waiting for the answer? ([01:14:22])
7. As a group, what is one way we can encourage each other to keep our eyes on Jesus and run the race with endurance in the coming weeks? ([01:07:50])
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Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Legacy of Imperfect Faithful Witnesses
The journey of faith is deeply communal, shaped by those who have gone before us. We are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses” — biblical heroes, historical leaders, and personal mentors — whose lives, though imperfect, were marked by obedience and sacrifice. Their stories remind us that God often uses ordinary people who say “yes” to Him, and that legacy invites us to step forward courageously. This legacy is not about perfection but about faithfulness, and it calls each of us to contribute our own chapter to God’s unfolding story. Recognizing this connection encourages us to run our race with endurance, inspired by those who have paved the way. [45:13]
“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.” — Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life or church history has modeled faithfulness despite imperfection? How can you intentionally draw strength and encouragement from their example as you face your own challenges today?
Day 2: Naming and Surrendering the Barriers to Faith
Living by faith requires honest self-examination and courage to identify what holds us back. These barriers can be external—fear, busyness, past wounds—or internal—sin, selfishness, doubt. Without naming these obstacles, it is impossible to fully trust God or run the race He has set before us. Surrendering these weights is an act of faith itself, opening space for God’s power to work in and through us. This process is ongoing and requires vulnerability, but it is essential for experiencing the “immeasurably more” God promises. [47:11]
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” — Hebrews 10:22 (ESV)
Reflection: What specific fear, habit, or sin have you been avoiding confronting? What practical step can you take today to begin surrendering this barrier to God’s grace and power?
Day 3: Faith in Action: Moving Beyond Admiration to Obedience
Faith is not a passive admiration of others’ trust in God but an active, intentional practice. It calls for concrete steps: building relationships with those far from God, serving sacrificially, and giving generously. Each act of obedience, no matter how small, participates in God’s unfolding story and reveals His power in tangible ways. This active faith transforms both the individual and the community, inviting us to move from spectators to participants in God’s mission. The journey of faith is lived out daily through these choices, shaping a church that is relational and missional. [01:04:18]
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” — Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific relational or financial step you can take this week to actively live out your faith rather than simply admire it from a distance?
Day 4: Endurance Rooted in Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
The race of faith is long and often marked by hardship, but endurance comes from keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the initiator and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. When we focus on Him through prayer, Scripture, and community, we find strength to persevere and courage to do the hard things God calls us to. This focus sustains us through challenges and empowers us to run with perseverance, knowing that our efforts are part of a greater divine purpose. [01:07:50]
“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.” — Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
Reflection: When you face discouragement or fatigue in your faith journey, what practical ways can you refocus your attention on Jesus today to renew your strength and resolve?
Day 5: Celebrating God’s Faithfulness While Anticipating His Future Work
Celebration is itself an act of faith that acknowledges God’s past faithfulness, expresses gratitude for present blessings, and anticipates the fulfillment of His promises. Even amid challenges and uncertainty, rejoicing in what God is doing fuels hope and unity. This posture invites the church to pray fervently, commit sacrificially, and step forward with joy, trusting that God will accomplish infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Celebrating together strengthens the community and prepares hearts for the next season of growth and impact. [01:14:22]
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” — Romans 12:12 (ESV)
Reflection: What specific blessing or answered prayer can you celebrate today that will help you trust God’s promises for the future? How can you share this celebration with someone else to encourage their faith?
Quotes
Through their faith, the people of the days of old earned a good reputation. And if you've read that chapter, you know that the rest of that chapter really is unpacking the various people of faith that we read about throughout the Old Testament story, throughout the story of God as it unpacks their stories. And if you remember, and you look at the names of all of those people of faith, and you think about their story, you know that they did not begin, they did not start out influential or powerful when God called them. But because of their obedience, because of their sacrifice, because of their generosity and their faith, they became influential. [00:43:32]
And then we pick up the story in Hebrews chapter 12, and we are reminded that no matter what the road ahead is and what it looks like for us, we can confidently move forward because of this crowd of witnesses that have gone before us, that have laid the foundation, that gives us a pathway to follow. In many ways, should make our faith a little bit easier, because we've seen how God has worked through them. [00:44:36]
Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1 starts, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses, right? For those of you who are good at studying the Word of God, or you just like English, you know that whenever you start a sentence with therefore, you should pay attention to what came before, right? So before, the chapter before, is this great list of crowd of witnesses, these biblical examples of people, of men and women, who have walked this journey of faith, not perfect by any stretch of the means, but certainly available, and were obedient to what the Lord is asking them to do. [00:44:56]
Beyond the biblical narrative, there are kingdom leaders who have left an impression on us because of their faith and their obedience and their commitment to the Lord. Kingdom leaders that may be in the likes of a Billy Graham, a Mother Teresa, John and Charles Wesley, Martin Luther, you probably could think of a hundred more, right? These are people of faith who have studied, and not just studied, but lived a life of Christ -likeness that have helped to shape, a lot of ways, the things that we do today. [00:45:22]
But whether you agree or disagree with their theology, their influence on the culture, their influence on the church, their assistance and help to those of us who are trying to live faithfully as the Lord has asked us and called us to live and lead, certainly has made an impression and has helped to shape the faith journey that we are living today. [00:46:32]
And of course, there's also the personal faith influencers, the moms and dads, the praying grandparent, the teacher, the mentor, the pastor, the friend, those people in our direct lives that directly and indirectly shape the journey of faith that we are finding ourselves living today. [00:46:52]
And now it's our turn. It's our turn to choose to live by faith. And in Hebrews chapter 12, in the very first verse, we're given some instruction about how we do that, how to make the choice to live by faith. Well, first of all, we have to address some of the weights and the barriers that are around us that are weighing us back, the lies that have been told to us, the fears that hold us back, the hurts, the busyness, the confusions, the challenges, all of those external obstacles that we have to try to figure out that sometimes prevent us from being able to trust what the Lord is telling us, to do the thing that seems a little scary or outside of my comfort zone. And then, of course, there's also the internal things, right? The sin, the influences that entrap us and keep us held back, the unrighteous and selfish thoughts and behaviors, those internal things that keep us from being able to experiencing the immeasurably more that God has in store for us. [00:47:20]
Once we can identify that there are barriers internally and externally that keep us from taking those steps of faith, then really we have to just decide to get in the faith race, right? We can't live by faith unless we take opportunities to trust the Lord, to walk with Him, to grow deeper in Him and in His ways. [00:48:20]
Because if we commit to standing on the sidelines and only admire the faith of others, we never actually practice on our own. And therefore, we forfeit the opportunity to experience the things that we cannot see. [00:48:38]
For 75 years, SCN has been a church driven by faith, purpose, and bold action. We have practically pursued being the hands of Jesus, which draws our church and community closer to God. Every step of this journey has been driven by one mission, to point people to Jesus and to meet real, practical needs. We are committed to serving Christ now. In recent years, God has guided us in reclaiming our service -driven missional purpose, focusing on community relationships, and making deeper relational connections with non -believers. This has led us to establish several new ministries, like our Upward Soccer Ministry, which has increased our reach into the community by reaching hundreds of people during the soccer season through a shared love for sports. Through our Sun Area Work and Witness mission, we have been able to assist about 200 homeowners with a variety of home improvements through which we share the love of Jesus in a personal and life -changing way. We also launched SCN Little Seeds, which hosts our weekly preschool program. And with the launch of our Celebrate Recovery ministry, which ministers to those who are dealing with hurts, habits, and hang -ups, we celebrate with those finding victory and freedom. [00:49:50]
Our missional priority has been molded by our commitment to discipleship and sharing our faith with those far from God. We strive to be a church for every stage of life. We are blessed to have a church made up of multiple generations, from young adults to adults with children, to empty nesters, and to those more seasoned in their lives. Our life group ministries thrive because of this depth in life experience, and it is able to provide relational foundation to love and serve one another. On Sunday mornings, our children's ministry is bursting at the seams with kids having fun and learning about the love of Jesus. And we are seeing glimpses of revival among students and young adults take place. They are finding a place to belong and to serve as they regularly gather for small groups and worship. For years, we have prayed and longed to draw people from all over the Susquehanna Valley, and by God's grace, we're seeing that. [00:51:27]
First, our church's physical space no longer reflects our character or fits our current ministry needs and our future potential. We have become a church known by our welcoming hospitality. We love to gather and to connect with new and lifelong friends. However, this is now limited and hindered by having two small separated lobbies and an undersized fellowship space. Second, since we are experiencing increased attendance in our worship services, life groups, and children and youth ministries, we have implemented various short -term solutions to accommodate connections and participation, like going to three services. [01:01:46]
Third, given our growing ministries, we recognize that we will need to expand our ministry staff by adding a few key positions and providing adequate office space for study and counsel for both our current and our future staff. [01:02:46]
For the past year, God has led us to pray through Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3, 20 through 21. Now all glory to God who is able through his mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine. [01:02:56]
This prayer is leading us to imagine the infinitely more of God. It has caused our leadership team to prayerfully decide to refresh our imagined vision. [01:03:20]
Imagine a large multi -purpose worship center and a renovated gathering space that would enhance our ability to welcome our neighbors and friends and family who don't know Jesus. To connect and grow with one another and to support the growth of our ministries and enable us to share resources with community partners. [01:03:39]
Together, standing on the shoulders of those who came before, we can make a generational impact. [01:04:00]
God is leading us into a bold new step of faith that will impact our community for the next 25 years and beyond. [01:04:08]
We're asking everyone who calls SCN their church to prayerfully make two sacrificial commitments. First, we're asking everyone to commit relationally. We want everyone to be engaged with at least one person in their lives who doesn't know Jesus. [01:04:18]
They are not your spiritual project, but they are a friend whom you will intentionally spend time with, prayerfully serve, and be engaged with. We call this person your one. [01:04:36]
Every contribution, no matter the size, is an act of faith that builds God's kingdom and will help create a ministry center that will impact our community for generations. [01:06:20]
By prioritizing the lost and strengthening our local ministry, we believe more lives will be transformed by the good news of Jesus. Jesus. [01:06:38]
This project is big, but our God is bigger. God is calling us to infinitely more obedience and faith. Will you answer the call? Imagine what God will do through Sealands Grove Nazarene and beyond. [01:06:56]
Let's dream boldly, give generously, and witness God doing infinitely more than we could ever ask or imagine. [01:07:08]
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