Stepping into God's Promises: Faith and Action
Summary
Reflecting on the journey of Horizon West, I am filled with gratitude and awe at what God has accomplished through our community. Seven years ago, we were commissioned to start a new demonstration of God's movement, and today, we witness the fruits of that calling. With an average of 500 adults and nearly 200 children and students gathering weekly, and 68 individuals professing their faith through baptism last year, it's clear that God is at work. Our vision is to transform Horizon West from a place known for citrus production to a beacon of spiritual growth, producing disciples who carry the kingdom of God into the world.
As we stand at a crossroads, both individually and as a church, we must be certain of a few key things to move into the greater things God has for us. The story of the Israelites at the Red Sea in Exodus 14 serves as a powerful reminder of the essentials needed to step into God's promises: confidence in God's ability, clarity on His purposes, and conviction about what to do next. Moses, despite his imperfections, demonstrated unwavering faith in God's deliverance, urging the Israelites to stand firm and witness God's salvation.
Confidence in God's ability is crucial. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, we must remember that God does not abandon us. Our Red Sea moments are opportunities for God to gain glory through our stories, turning our trials into testimonies. Clarity on God's purposes requires us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in His vision for our lives. Moses saw by faith what others could not, and we too must seek God's perspective to understand His plans for us.
Finally, conviction about what to do next compels us to take action. It's not enough to believe; we must step out in faith and do what God calls us to do. Whether it's reconciling relationships, starting a new venture, or participating in our church's initiatives, we must act on our convictions. As we embark on this greater journey, let us be inspired by the legacy of those who came before us, believing that the best is yet to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Confidence in God's Ability: In moments of fear and uncertainty, we must remember that God does not abandon us. Our Red Sea moments are opportunities for God to gain glory through our stories, turning our trials into testimonies. Trust in God's ability to deliver us, just as He did for the Israelites. [12:54]
- Clarity on God's Purposes: To move into God's purposes, we need to see with the right perspective. Like Moses, we must look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's vision for our lives. God's way is always freedom and forward movement. [19:57]
- Conviction About What to Do Next: Faith requires action. It's not enough to believe; we must step out in faith and do what God calls us to do. Whether it's reconciling relationships or participating in church initiatives, we must act on our convictions. [21:38]
- God's Faithfulness Through Generations: The same God who delivered the Israelites is at work today. As we stand at a crossroads, we are reminded of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness through generations. Our task is to trust and participate in His plans. [29:22]
- The Legacy of Faith: We are part of a legacy of faith, following in the footsteps of those who believed in God's promises. As we embark on this greater journey, let us be inspired by their example and believe that the best is yet to come. [26:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction and Family Update
- [01:06] - Horizon West Campus Growth
- [02:20] - Gratitude and Support
- [03:03] - Location and History of Horizon West
- [04:14] - Vision for Spiritual Growth
- [05:27] - Personal Crossroads Story
- [06:30] - Crossroads in Life
- [08:12] - Essentials for Moving Forward
- [09:10] - Exodus 14: The Red Sea Crossing
- [11:35] - Confidence in God's Ability
- [17:19] - Clarity on God's Purposes
- [21:08] - Conviction About What to Do Next
- [24:21] - Vision for Horizon West Facility
- [26:08] - Legacy of Faith and Future Vision
- [29:22] - God's Faithfulness Through Generations
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Exodus 14:10-22
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the Israelites when they saw the Egyptians approaching, and how did Moses respond to their fear? ([10:18])
2. How did God instruct Moses to lead the Israelites through the Red Sea, and what was the significance of this action? ([10:55])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of having confidence in God's ability during challenging times? ([12:54])
4. How does the story of the Israelites at the Red Sea illustrate the concept of "Red Sea moments" in our lives? ([14:06])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the role of faith in overcoming "Red Sea moments," and what can we learn from Moses' example? ([12:54])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that clarity on God's purposes can change our perspective on difficult situations? ([19:57])
3. How does the sermon connect the story of the Israelites to the vision for Horizon West, and what does this imply about the church's mission? ([04:43])
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between conviction and action in fulfilling God's purposes? ([21:38])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent "Red Sea moment" in your life. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to demonstrate confidence in God's ability? ([12:54])
2. Consider a situation where you need clarity on God's purposes. What steps can you take to seek God's perspective and gain a clearer vision? ([19:57])
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel convicted to take action. What specific steps can you take this week to act on that conviction? ([21:38])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of legacy and faithfulness through generations. How can you contribute to building a legacy of faith in your community or family? ([29:22])
5. Think about a relationship or situation that requires reconciliation. What practical steps can you take to initiate healing and restoration? ([21:38])
6. The sermon mentions the importance of participating in church initiatives. How can you get involved in your church's mission to transform your community? ([04:43])
7. Reflect on the idea that "the best is yet to come." How can this perspective influence your approach to challenges and opportunities in your life? ([26:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Deliverance
Confidence in God's ability is essential when facing life's challenges. Just as the Israelites stood before the Red Sea with seemingly no way forward, we too encounter moments that test our faith. These "Red Sea moments" are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and turn our trials into testimonies. By trusting in God's ability to deliver us, we allow Him to gain glory through our stories. Remember, God does not abandon us in our times of need. [12:54]
Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV): "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'"
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively trust in God's ability to deliver you from this situation today?
Day 2: Seeing with God's Perspective
To move into God's purposes, we must seek clarity on His vision for our lives. Like Moses, who saw beyond the immediate circumstances, we are called to trust in God's greater plan. This requires us to look past our current struggles and embrace the freedom and forward movement that God offers. By aligning our perspective with God's, we can better understand His purposes and direction for our lives. [19:57]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your perspective to align with God's vision? How can you begin to see this situation through His eyes today?
Day 3: Acting on Conviction
Faith requires action. It's not enough to simply believe; we must step out in faith and act on our convictions. Whether it's reconciling relationships, starting a new venture, or participating in church initiatives, we are called to take decisive steps forward. By acting on our convictions, we demonstrate our trust in God's guidance and open ourselves to the greater things He has in store for us. [21:38]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Identify one conviction you have been hesitant to act on. What practical step can you take today to move forward in faith?
Day 4: Remembering God's Faithfulness
As we stand at crossroads in life, we are reminded of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness through generations. The same God who delivered the Israelites is at work today, guiding us through our own journeys. Our task is to trust in His plans and participate in His work. By remembering God's past faithfulness, we can find confidence and hope for the future. [29:22]
Psalm 100:5 (ESV): "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him with your current situation?
Day 5: Embracing the Legacy of Faith
We are part of a legacy of faith, following in the footsteps of those who believed in God's promises. As we embark on our own journeys, we are inspired by their example and encouraged to believe that the best is yet to come. By embracing this legacy, we commit to carrying the kingdom of God into the world and participating in His transformative work. [26:08]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "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, 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."
Reflection: Who in your life has inspired you with their faith? How can you honor their legacy by stepping out in faith today?
Quotes
Reflecting on the journey of Horizon West, I am filled with gratitude and awe at what God has accomplished through our community. Seven years ago, we were commissioned to start a new demonstration of God's movement, and today, we witness the fruits of that calling. With an average of 500 adults and nearly 200 children and students gathering weekly, and 68 individuals professing their faith through baptism last year, it's clear that God is at work. Our vision is to transform Horizon West from a place known for citrus production to a beacon of spiritual growth, producing disciples who carry the kingdom of God into the world. [00:00:57]
Confidence in God's ability is crucial. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, we must remember that God does not abandon us. Our Red Sea moments are opportunities for God to gain glory through our stories, turning our trials into testimonies. Trust in God's ability to deliver us, just as He did for the Israelites. [00:12:54]
To move into God's purposes, we need to see with the right perspective. Like Moses, we must look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's vision for our lives. God's way is always freedom and forward movement. [00:19:57]
Faith requires action. It's not enough to believe; we must step out in faith and do what God calls us to do. Whether it's reconciling relationships or participating in church initiatives, we must act on our convictions. [00:21:38]
The same God who delivered the Israelites is at work today. As we stand at a crossroads, we are reminded of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness through generations. Our task is to trust and participate in His plans. [00:29:22]
We are part of a legacy of faith, following in the footsteps of those who believed in God's promises. As we embark on this greater journey, let us be inspired by their example and believe that the best is yet to come. [00:26:08]
Moses, despite his imperfections, demonstrated unwavering faith in God's deliverance, urging the Israelites to stand firm and witness God's salvation. [00:12:54]
Finally, conviction about what to do next compels us to take action. It's not enough to believe; we must step out in faith and do what God calls us to do. Whether it's reconciling relationships, starting a new venture, or participating in our church's initiatives, we must act on our convictions. [00:21:38]
As we stand at a crossroads, both individually and as a church, we must be certain of a few key things to move into the greater things God has for us. The story of the Israelites at the Red Sea in Exodus 14 serves as a powerful reminder of the essentials needed to step into God's promises: confidence in God's ability, clarity on His purposes, and conviction about what to do next. [00:12:54]
Confidence in God's ability is crucial. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, we must remember that God does not abandon us. Our Red Sea moments are opportunities for God to gain glory through our stories, turning our trials into testimonies. Trust in God's ability to deliver us, just as He did for the Israelites. [00:12:54]
Clarity on God's purposes requires us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in His vision for our lives. Moses saw by faith what others could not, and we too must seek God's perspective to understand His plans for us. [00:19:57]
Finally, conviction about what to do next compels us to take action. It's not enough to believe; we must step out in faith and do what God calls us to do. Whether it's reconciling relationships, starting a new venture, or participating in our church's initiatives, we must act on our convictions. [00:21:38]
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