Standing Firm on God's Unwavering Promises
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the unwavering promises of God and the profound impact they have on our lives. We began by acknowledging the faithfulness of God, who remains constant and true to His word. Despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, we are reminded that God's promises are "yea and amen," and they provide a foundation of hope and assurance. We explored the idea that while the world may present us with trials and temptations, our faith in God's promises equips us to overcome them.
We delved into the significance of trusting in God's word, emphasizing that His promises are not just empty words but are backed by His unchanging nature. God is not like humans who may falter or change their minds; He is steadfast and reliable. This understanding calls us to live a life of faithfulness, knowing that God is with us, guiding us through every valley and celebrating with us on every mountaintop.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of sharing the goodness of God with others. Our testimonies of how God has worked in our lives are powerful tools for evangelism. We are called to be bold in proclaiming the gospel, ensuring that the transformative power of God's promises is known to all. This is not just about personal salvation but about being agents of change in our communities and the world.
We also touched on the peace that God offers, a peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with chaos and confusion, God's peace is a refuge for those who trust in Him. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises.
Finally, we were encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God, not merely to sit passively but to actively engage with His word and His will for our lives. As we do so, we become living testimonies of His faithfulness, drawing others to the light of His love and grace.
Key Takeaways:
- God's promises are unwavering and true, providing a foundation of hope and assurance in our lives. We are called to trust in His word, knowing that He is faithful and unchanging. [56:00]
- Our faith in God's promises equips us to overcome the trials and temptations of the world. By standing firm in our faith, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. [58:45]
- Sharing our testimonies of God's goodness is a powerful tool for evangelism. We are called to be bold in proclaiming the gospel, ensuring that others experience the transformative power of God's promises. [01:05:45]
- God's peace surpasses all understanding and is a refuge for those who trust in Him. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises. [01:14:05]
- We are encouraged to actively engage with God's word and His will for our lives, becoming living testimonies of His faithfulness and drawing others to the light of His love and grace. [01:13:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:35] - Opening Gratitude
[05:30] - Community Announcements
[10:27] - Call to Worship
[13:07] - Fellowship and Praise
[17:15] - Joyful Worship
[23:16] - Upcoming Events
[25:11] - Youth Engagement
[28:30] - Veterans Day Service
[31:31] - Visitor Recognition
[33:31] - Scripture Reading
[36:33] - Prayer for Peace
[40:49] - Musical Offering
[48:14] - Sermon Introduction
[56:00] - God's Promises
[01:03:00] - Trust and Faithfulness
[01:11:15] - Provision and Gratitude
[01:18:35] - Peace in Troubled Times
[01:27:52] - Encouragement and Prayer
[01:32:05] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Numbers 23:19 - "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"
2. John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
3. Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Numbers 23:19 tell us about the nature of God's promises? How does this compare to human promises? [01:01:14]
2. According to John 14:27, what kind of peace does Jesus offer, and how is it different from the peace the world offers? [01:14:05]
3. In Philippians 4:19, what assurance do we have about our needs? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about God’s provision? [01:10:28]
4. What examples were given in the sermon about how God’s promises equip us to overcome trials and temptations? [58:45]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding that God’s promises are unwavering and true impact a believer’s daily life and decision-making? [56:00]
2. What might it look like to actively engage with God’s word and His will, as encouraged in the sermon? How does this differ from passively sitting on His promises? [01:13:10]
3. How can sharing personal testimonies of God’s goodness serve as a tool for evangelism, according to the sermon? [01:05:45]
4. In what ways does the peace that surpasses all understanding serve as a refuge for believers in today’s chaotic world? [01:14:05]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith in God’s promises help you navigate that situation? If it didn’t, how might it have changed your approach? [58:45]
2. Identify a specific promise of God that you find difficult to trust. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this promise? [56:00]
3. Think of a time when you shared your testimony with someone. How did it impact them? How can you be more intentional about sharing God’s goodness in your life? [01:05:45]
4. What are some practical ways you can actively engage with God’s word this week? Consider setting a specific time for Bible study or prayer. [01:13:10]
5. Is there an area in your life where you lack peace? How can you apply John 14:27 to find peace in that situation? [01:14:05]
6. Consider someone in your community who might benefit from hearing about God’s promises. How can you reach out to them this week? [01:05:45]
7. Reflect on your current worries or anxieties. How can Philippians 4:19 encourage you to trust in God’s provision? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from worry to trust? [01:10:28]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unwavering Foundation of God's Promises
God's promises are a steadfast foundation that provides hope and assurance in our lives. In a world filled with uncertainty and change, the constancy of God's word offers a reliable anchor. His promises are not mere words but are backed by His unchanging nature. Unlike humans, who may falter or change their minds, God remains faithful and true. This understanding calls us to trust deeply in His word, knowing that He is with us through every challenge and triumph. As we stand on this foundation, we are equipped to face life's trials with confidence, knowing that His promises are "yea and amen." [56:00]
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's unwavering promises? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 2: Overcoming Trials Through Faith
Our faith in God's promises equips us to overcome the trials and temptations of the world. Life is filled with challenges that can test our resolve and faith. However, by standing firm in our belief in God's word, we can navigate these difficulties with peace and assurance. God's promises provide the strength and courage needed to face adversity, reminding us that we are not alone. As we hold onto His promises, we find the confidence to move forward, knowing that He is guiding us every step of the way. [58:45]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you apply your faith in God's promises to overcome it today?
Day 3: Boldly Sharing God's Goodness
Sharing our testimonies of God's goodness is a powerful tool for evangelism. We are called to be bold in proclaiming the gospel, ensuring that others experience the transformative power of God's promises. Our personal stories of how God has worked in our lives can inspire and encourage others to seek Him. This is not just about personal salvation but about being agents of change in our communities and the world. By sharing our experiences, we become vessels of His love and grace, drawing others to the light of His truth. [01:05:45]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your testimony with this week, and how can you approach them with love and boldness?
Day 4: Finding Refuge in God's Peace
God's peace surpasses all understanding and is a refuge for those who trust in Him. In a world filled with chaos and confusion, His peace offers a sanctuary that is not dependent on external circumstances. This peace is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises, providing comfort and stability in times of trouble. As we trust in Him, we are enveloped in a peace that guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to navigate life's storms with calmness and clarity. [01:14:05]
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience God's peace, and how can you invite Him into that space today?
Day 5: Actively Engaging with God's Word
We are encouraged to actively engage with God's word and His will for our lives, becoming living testimonies of His faithfulness. This involves not merely sitting passively but taking intentional steps to align our lives with His teachings. As we immerse ourselves in His word, we are transformed and empowered to reflect His love and grace to others. By living out His promises, we draw others to the light of His truth, becoming beacons of hope and encouragement in a world that desperately needs it. [01:13:10]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to actively engage with God's word and reflect His love to those around you?
Quotes
1. "If you would have young people in your fears of your villages, your fears of influence, you know young people grades 5 through 12, who can take advantage of emphasis on a spiritual ring, a spiritual foundation, and learning about life. So they're able to walk through this world with courage and confidence that only comes from the knowledge of Christ and our Father in heaven. Amen? Amen. So I invite you. We're going to do it again November 23rd. Next month. Next month. The theme is, we are, in parentheses, part of the world. So we will be talking about where we sit in the global structure. We will have more presentations, more presenters coming in." ([25:23] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "We are faithful first because God is faithful. Even when we have fallen short. Even when we have not done what God has called us to do. Even when we can in all truth pray the prayer of confession that we have not loved you, Lord, with our whole heart. We failed to be a beast. We've not done God's will. We've broken God's law. We've failed to hear the cry of the needy. We can say, forgive us, Lord. And free us for joyful obedience. Free us from sin. Free us from the ways of the world. Free us from the things that have us caught up and confused and mixed up. So that we might be faithful." ([57:44] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "But in fact, they are there as a guide to keep us on the path of the straight and narrow and from the wide road that leads to destruction. God knows what's going to happen to us when we don't follow his way and his will. We find ourselves in trouble. Look at the world. Look at the things are happening in the world. Look at the things that the world thinks I. Look at the way that the world is keeping us, that we ought to look out for me, myself and I. Rather than love the Lord, our God with all of our and mind and soul and strength. And this that is like understanding the law that we it, that command says we should love our neighbor as ourselves." ([59:31] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "But I'm here to tell you this morning that if we are in the business of making disciples of Jesus Christ and being transforming agents in our community, and thus even throughout the whole world, we know that we are in business with a partner called God, and God will never leave us, nor will God forsake us. God will never fail us. God will never fall short, and God is with us. is one in whom we can trust. Can I get an amen from somebody?" ([01:00:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "And so, if God has said it, and we believe that this is the word of God, that God spoke, through prophets, and the prophets' words have been recorded for our benefit, for our good, we believe that what God has said has been tapped down from generation to generation from tradition, that which has been handed down to us. We don't need to change the word. We don't need to add to it. We don't need to take away from it. We take God at God's word. We believe God at God's word. We believe that God is not the, God is not one who can lie. God is not one who needs to change. God says he will do it. It will be done. If we haven't seen it yet, wait a little longer and trust in the promises of God." ([01:02:32] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "If God promises that if we confess with our mouth and believe with our heart that God raised his son Jesus Christ from the dead, if God tells us that the just shall live by faith, and if we are people of faith, we know that we've been we have the promise of abundant life in the here and now. We know we have the promise of eternal life in the days to come. We know that God says that if we give, it will be given unto us in good measure, pressed down, taken together, and runneth over. If we truly believe in the promises of God, we will find no robbery in giving." ([01:04:29] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "God never promised that this road called life would be easy. He never said it would be a better road than this. In fact, if you follow Jesus, the promise is that you will have persecution in this life. You will have tribulation. You will have tribulation. girls that come your way? But what did I tell you last week? If you have faith the size of a grain of mustard seed, when a mountain stands in your way, you can say, mountain, move on out of my way. That's for people who trust in the way of God, trust in the will of God, trust in the word of God, trust in the promises of God." ([01:12:27] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "God promises also to be present with us. How many of you know God tells us he won't leave us, nor will he forsake us? That's comforting. Because you've had some folks who've made promises that they're always going to be there with you, and they're no longer with you. Right? The reality is we can't even make that promise. I know some folks that lied to Rick because someone they love has passed on. Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't grieve, but we don't grieve at those who have no hope. Our hope is not in mama or father or sister or brother or even spouse. Our hope is in the Lord." ([01:19:53] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "And if the Lord is with us, it doesn't matter if the whole world is against us. God is for us. That's good news. Are you ready to take that good news out into this world that knows so much bad news? There might be somebody here today who's not made a decision to serve Jesus. Maybe you've never said, Lord, I'm yours. Use me for your glory. Watch me. You're as white as the driven sun. Separate me from my sin as far as the east is from the west and create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me." ([01:21:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "If you walked away from God, and you're ready to come back, God stands with open arms saying, come on back. Are you ready? If I'm talking to you, come on down and sing with me as I'm talking about your life right now. Don't worry about who's looking or what they might be thinking about you. They've got their own interests. They've got their own problems. Maybe there's somebody who wants to join this church. You ready to join the church? We're ready to receive you." ([01:24:46] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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