Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Life's Challenges

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the theme of standing firm in our faith amidst the challenges of our era. We began by reflecting on the darkness of our current times compared to other periods in church history. It's crucial to recognize that while every era has its unique challenges, the underlying reality remains that we live in a fallen world. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3, reminds us that the last days will be marked by times of stress, and we are indeed experiencing such a season. However, this is not unprecedented, and the Bible provides us with guidance on how to navigate these times.

We also delved into the profound mystery of seeing God, as illustrated in the experiences of Moses and Isaiah. The key takeaway is that God, in His holiness, is unapproachable in His pure form, but through Christ, we have a mediator who reveals God to us. This understanding is crucial for our faith, as it emphasizes the centrality of Christ in our relationship with God.

The discussion on baptism highlighted the importance of understanding the significance of this sacrament. Whether one should be re-baptized if their initial baptism was in a theologically unsound church is a matter of personal conviction and understanding of what constitutes a valid Christian baptism. The essence of baptism is not in the perfection of the one administering it but in the faith it represents.

We also addressed the struggle of sin in the life of a believer. Even with a new heart, we continue to battle sin due to the ongoing process of sanctification. This struggle is a reminder of our dependence on God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Finally, we offered encouragement to parents of adult children who have left the faith. Salvation is ultimately the work of God, and while parents play a significant role in nurturing faith, they cannot guarantee it. The story is not over, and there is always hope for a prodigal's return.

Key Takeaways:

- The darkness of our times is not unique; every era has its challenges. The Bible provides guidance on how to stand firm in faith during these stressful times, reminding us that suffering is a normal part of the Christian journey. [02:29:32]

- Seeing God is made possible through Christ, our mediator. This understanding emphasizes the centrality of Christ in our relationship with God, as He reveals the Father to us. [02:33:07]

- Baptism's significance lies in the faith it represents, not the perfection of the one administering it. Whether to be re-baptized is a personal decision based on one's understanding of a valid Christian baptism. [02:47:02]

- The struggle with sin continues even with a new heart, highlighting the ongoing process of sanctification. This struggle reminds us of our dependence on God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. [02:39:39]

- Parents of prodigal children should find encouragement in knowing that salvation is the work of God. The story is not over, and there is always hope for a prodigal's return. [02:59:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:23:06] - Conference Introduction
- [02:25:17] - Darkness in Our Times
- [02:27:26] - Stress in the Last Days
- [02:31:27] - Seeing the Face of God
- [02:36:11] - God's Presence Among Us
- [02:38:18] - Why We Still Sin
- [02:42:05] - Baptism and Re-baptism
- [02:52:26] - Joy in Salvation
- [02:57:01] - Encouragement for Parents
- [03:01:34] - Marrying a Reformed Christian
- [03:03:40] - Reaching the Next Generation
- [03:06:41] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
2. John 14:9
3. Ezekiel 36:26-27

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some characteristics of the "last days" that Paul describes? How do these characteristics compare to the challenges mentioned in the sermon? [02:27:26]

2. In John 14:9, Jesus says, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." How does this statement relate to the experiences of Moses and Isaiah as discussed in the sermon? [02:33:07]

3. Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks of God giving a new heart and spirit. How does this promise relate to the ongoing struggle with sin mentioned in the sermon? [02:39:39]

4. What was the significance of baptism discussed in the sermon, and how does it relate to the faith it represents? [02:47:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of living in the "last days" as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 affect a believer's perspective on current world events and personal challenges? [02:29:32]

2. The sermon emphasized the centrality of Christ in revealing God to us. How does this understanding impact a believer's relationship with God and their approach to worship? [02:33:07]

3. The sermon discussed the struggle with sin despite having a new heart. How does this ongoing battle shape a believer's reliance on God's grace and the Holy Spirit's work? [02:39:39]

4. The decision to be re-baptized was described as a personal conviction. How might different theological backgrounds influence this decision, and what role does personal faith play in it? [02:47:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the "darkness" of current events. How can the guidance from 2 Timothy 3:1-5 help you stand firm in your faith during such times? [02:29:32]

2. Consider your personal relationship with Christ as the mediator who reveals God to you. How can you deepen this relationship in your daily life? [02:33:07]

3. Identify a specific sin you struggle with. How can you actively rely on God's grace and the Holy Spirit to overcome this struggle, as discussed in the sermon? [02:39:39]

4. If you were baptized in a church with differing theological views, how do you feel about the validity of your baptism? What steps can you take to reconcile any doubts you may have? [02:47:02]

5. For parents of adult children who have left the faith, what practical steps can you take to continue nurturing hope and faith in their lives, while trusting in God's ultimate plan for their salvation? [02:59:05]

6. How can you support and encourage others in your community who are struggling with their faith, especially during challenging times? What role can you play in being a source of hope and guidance?

7. Reflect on your understanding of baptism and its significance. How does this understanding influence your view of your own baptism and the baptisms of others within your faith community? [02:47:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Darkness
In every era, believers face unique challenges, yet the underlying truth remains that we live in a fallen world. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3, warns that the last days will be marked by times of stress, and we are indeed experiencing such a season. However, this is not unprecedented, and the Bible provides us with guidance on how to navigate these times. Suffering is a normal part of the Christian journey, and we are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and His promises. [02:29:32]

"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." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific challenge are you facing today that requires you to stand firm in your faith? How can you remind yourself of God's promises in this situation?


Day 2: Christ as Our Mediator
The profound mystery of seeing God is illustrated in the experiences of Moses and Isaiah. God, in His holiness, is unapproachable in His pure form, but through Christ, we have a mediator who reveals God to us. This understanding is crucial for our faith, as it emphasizes the centrality of Christ in our relationship with God. Through Christ, we are able to approach God with confidence, knowing that He reveals the Father to us and intercedes on our behalf. [02:33:07]

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Christ as your mediator change the way you approach God in prayer today?


Day 3: The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is a significant sacrament that represents our faith in Christ. The essence of baptism is not in the perfection of the one administering it but in the faith it represents. Whether one should be re-baptized if their initial baptism was in a theologically unsound church is a matter of personal conviction and understanding of what constitutes a valid Christian baptism. It is important to reflect on the meaning of baptism and its role in your spiritual journey. [02:47:02]

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism. What does it mean to you, and how does it influence your daily walk with Christ?


Day 4: The Ongoing Struggle with Sin
Even with a new heart, believers continue to battle sin due to the ongoing process of sanctification. This struggle is a reminder of our dependence on God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is important to recognize that while we may struggle, we are not alone, and God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. [02:39:39]

"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good." (Romans 7:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of sin you are currently struggling with? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome it today?


Day 5: Hope for Prodigal Children
Parents of adult children who have left the faith should find encouragement in knowing that salvation is ultimately the work of God. While parents play a significant role in nurturing faith, they cannot guarantee it. The story is not over, and there is always hope for a prodigal's return. Trust in God's timing and continue to pray for your children, knowing that He is faithful. [02:59:05]

"And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate God's love and grace to your children today, regardless of where they are in their faith journey?

Quotes

"Well, I think one point of encouragement would be that salvation is of the Lord, and that no parent can guarantee the salvation of their own child, and in the Book of Proverbs when he says train up a child in the way they shall go and when they're old they will not depart from it that's just simply a general observation it's not a promise that would be to misinterpret Hebrew wisdom literature." [02:57:01]

"Chris I think what Paul says in second Timothy 3 at the beginning uh verse one he'll be able to quote it, um is very helpful where he says in the last days there will be times of stress and the language that he uses there for stress really connotes the notion of a kind of uncontrollability breaking out and it goes on to list some of the features of such a time." [02:27:26]

"Well in reformed theology we we distinguish between two types of sanctification, a definitive kind, uh Paul refers to us as a new creation, we are in Christ, We Are Holy we are Saints, we are set apart, so something definitive and and unchangeable happens, um at the time of regeneration, but we also speak of progressive sanctification." [02:38:18]

"I think it's it's uh something that gets picked up in John's gospel, that we read no one has ever seen the form of the father, but Jesus says when Philip asks to see the father you've seen me you have seen the father, that God is in his holy perfection, uh unapproachable, unnerable so that people say we've seen God we're going to die." [02:31:27]

"However, in my experience uh, uh especially in Belfast where the predominant population, um, was either Protestant or Catholic, Roman Catholics who were converted were never convinced by what I've just said, they had come out of darkness and into light they had they had an experience of Christianity which was an entirely works-based, um, sacramental based view of Salvation." [02:42:05]

"That God is in his holy perfection, uh, unapproachable, unnerable so that people say we've seen God we're going to die, and it is only in the face of Christ the mediator that, that God can be known and approached, and so when we see for example, um Isaiah seeing the Lord, what are we to do with this well this is picked up in John's gospel." [02:33:07]

"While we are in this world there is the spirit, Wars against the Flesh and the flesh against the spirit there is a constant battle, uh, between who we actually are in Christ and who sometimes the devil tells us we are, and and we forget our true identity in Christ so until, until we Slough off this Mortal coil." [02:39:39]

"Salvation is of the Lord and that no parent can guarantee the salvation of their own child, and in the Book of Proverbs when he says train up a child in the way they shall go and when they're old they will not depart from it that's just simply a general observation it's not a promise that would be to misinterpret Hebrew wisdom literature." [02:59:05]

"That reformed love to talk about justification by faith alone how we have a new status because of Christ's righteousness imputed to us now that is all forensic language that it's about legal status that as a sinner I do not have the right to stand before God but I'm clothed with Christ's righteousness so I have a legal right to stand before God because of God's Divine declaration." [02:52:26]

"That God is in his holy perfection, uh, unapproachable, unnerable so that people say we've seen God we're going to die, and it is only in the face of Christ the mediator that, that God can be known and approached, and so when we see for example, um Isaiah seeing the Lord, what are we to do with this well this is picked up in John's gospel." [02:33:07]

"Well in reformed theology we we distinguish between two types of sanctification, a definitive kind, uh Paul refers to us as a new creation, we are in Christ, We Are Holy we are Saints, we are set apart, so something definitive and and unchangeable happens, um at the time of regeneration, but we also speak of progressive sanctification." [02:38:18]

"Chris I think what Paul says in second Timothy 3 at the beginning uh verse one he'll be able to quote it, um is very helpful where he says in the last days there will be times of stress and the language that he uses there for stress really connotes the notion of a kind of uncontrollability breaking out and it goes on to list some of the features of such a time." [02:27:26]

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Transcript
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