The Unchanging God: Faithfulness Through Our Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of "The God I've Come to Know," reflecting on how our understanding and relationship with God deepens over time. We began by acknowledging the unique bond among God's people, a bond that transcends time and space. This bond is a testament to the eternal fellowship we will share in heaven. We then delved into the life of King Asa from 2 Chronicles 15, a man who initially demonstrated great faith and commitment to God but later faltered. Asa's journey serves as a mirror for our own spiritual walks, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith.
We discussed the concept of the "crisis of belief," a term coined by Henry Blackaby, which describes those pivotal moments when we must choose between trusting God or turning away. These crises often reveal the true nature of our faith. Through the lens of King Asa's life, we examined how God remains faithful, even when we are not. Asa's story reminds us that God is always ready to receive us back with open arms, no matter how far we stray.
We also touched on the idea that God sometimes allows distress and discipline in our lives to bring us back to Him. This discipline is not punitive but corrective, aimed at refining us and drawing us closer to His heart. The God I've come to know is one who walks with us through every trial, providing peace and strength even in the most challenging circumstances.
Finally, we reflected on the unchanging nature of God. While our understanding of Him may grow and evolve, He remains the same—faithful, loving, and just. This realization encourages us to stay committed to our walk with Him, knowing that He is always there, ready to guide and support us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Bond Among God's People: The unique bond among believers is a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will share in heaven. This bond transcends time and space, reminding us that we are part of a larger, eternal family. It is a powerful testament to the unity and love that Christ brings into our lives. [20:59]
2. The Crisis of Belief: Moments of crisis often reveal the true nature of our faith. These are the times when we must choose between trusting God or turning away. Such crises are opportunities for spiritual growth, as they compel us to rely more deeply on God's promises and faithfulness. [26:40]
3. God's Faithfulness: God remains faithful even when we are not. He is always ready to receive us back with open arms, no matter how far we stray. This unwavering faithfulness is a cornerstone of our relationship with Him, providing a foundation of trust and security. [35:06]
4. The Purpose of Discipline: God's discipline is not punitive but corrective. It is designed to refine us and draw us closer to Him. Through trials and challenges, we are purified and made more like Christ, learning to depend on Him more fully. [40:06]
5. The Unchanging Nature of God: While our understanding of God may grow and evolve, He remains the same—faithful, loving, and just. This realization encourages us to stay committed to our walk with Him, knowing that He is always there, ready to guide and support us. [47:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:59] - The Bond Among God's People
[22:01] - Connection with Heath Peliquin
[24:08] - The Journey of Faith
[25:18] - The God I've Come to Know
[26:40] - Crisis of Belief
[27:46] - Reading from 2 Chronicles 15
[29:27] - Prayer for the Nation
[31:26] - King Asa's Background
[33:24] - God of Faithfulness
[35:06] - God of My Returns
[35:59] - God of My Distresses
[40:06] - Purpose of Discipline
[44:05] - God's Presence in Trials
[45:34] - The Unchanging Nature of God
[47:36] - Asa's Downfall
[49:52] - The Journey of the Christian Life
[51:43] - Invitation to Know God
[53:12] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Chronicles 15:1-7
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the message that Azariah delivered to King Asa in 2 Chronicles 15:1-7?
2. How did King Asa initially respond to God's guidance and commands? [25:18]
3. What does the term "crisis of belief" mean according to Henry Blackaby, and how does it relate to King Asa's story? [26:40]
4. What actions did King Asa take to demonstrate his commitment to God early in his reign? [32:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean when the sermon states that God is the "God of my returns"? How does this concept apply to our personal spiritual journeys? [35:59]
2. How can we understand God's discipline as corrective rather than punitive, based on the sermon and 2 Chronicles 15:6? [40:06]
3. In what ways does the unchanging nature of God provide comfort and assurance in our faith, especially during times of crisis? [47:36]
4. How does the bond among God's people serve as a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will share in heaven? [20:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "crisis of belief." How did you respond, and what did you learn about your faith during that time? [26:40]
2. Have you ever felt God's discipline in your life? How did you perceive it at the time, and how do you understand it now? [40:06]
3. Think about a moment when you strayed from your faith. How did you find your way back, and what role did God's faithfulness play in your return? [35:59]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's unchanging nature in your daily walk with Him? What practical steps can you take? [47:36]
5. In what ways can you strengthen the bond with fellow believers in your community, reflecting the eternal fellowship we will share in heaven? [20:59]
6. How do you handle distress and challenges in your life? What can you do to remind yourself that these moments are opportunities for spiritual growth and refinement? [41:35]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust God more fully. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate that trust? [26:40]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Bond Among Believers
The bond among God's people is a unique and powerful testament to the unity and love that Christ brings into our lives. This bond transcends time and space, reminding us that we are part of a larger, eternal family. It is a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will share in heaven. This connection is not just a social or emotional tie but a spiritual one that reflects the very nature of God's kingdom. As we grow in our faith, we come to appreciate this bond more deeply, recognizing it as a source of strength and encouragement in our spiritual journey.
This bond is a reflection of the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21, where He asked that all believers be one, just as He and the Father are one. It is a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our walk with God. We are surrounded by a community of believers who share our faith and our struggles, and who can support us in times of need. This eternal bond is a gift from God, meant to encourage and sustain us as we journey towards our heavenly home.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: Think of a fellow believer who has been a source of encouragement in your life. How can you reach out to them today to express your gratitude and strengthen that bond?
Day 2: The Crisis of Belief
Moments of crisis often reveal the true nature of our faith. These are the times when we must choose between trusting God or turning away. Such crises are opportunities for spiritual growth, as they compel us to rely more deeply on God's promises and faithfulness. The story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 15 illustrates this vividly. Asa initially demonstrated great faith and commitment to God, but later in his life, he faced a crisis of belief and faltered. This serves as a mirror for our own spiritual walks, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith.
During these crises, we are often tempted to rely on our own understanding and strength rather than trusting in God's plan. However, it is precisely in these moments that our faith can grow the most. By choosing to trust God, even when circumstances seem dire, we allow Him to work in our lives in powerful ways. These crises of belief are not meant to break us but to build us up, refining our faith and drawing us closer to God. [26:40]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent crisis of belief you have faced. How did you respond, and what did you learn about your faith in the process?
Day 3: God's Unwavering Faithfulness
God remains faithful even when we are not. He is always ready to receive us back with open arms, no matter how far we stray. This unwavering faithfulness is a cornerstone of our relationship with Him, providing a foundation of trust and security. The story of King Asa reminds us that, despite our failures and shortcomings, God's love and faithfulness never waver. He is always there, waiting for us to return to Him and renew our commitment to our faith.
This aspect of God's character is a source of immense comfort and hope. It reassures us that, no matter what mistakes we have made or how far we have drifted from Him, we can always come back. God's faithfulness is not dependent on our actions but on His unchanging nature. This truth encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that we can always rely on God's love and grace. [35:06]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt distant from God. How did you experience His faithfulness during that period, and how can you remind yourself of His unwavering love today?
Day 4: The Purpose of Discipline
God's discipline is not punitive but corrective. It is designed to refine us and draw us closer to Him. Through trials and challenges, we are purified and made more like Christ, learning to depend on Him more fully. The story of King Asa illustrates how God sometimes allows distress and discipline in our lives to bring us back to Him. This discipline is a sign of His love and commitment to our spiritual growth.
Understanding the purpose of God's discipline helps us to endure it with a positive attitude. Instead of seeing it as a punishment, we can view it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. God's discipline is meant to shape us into the people He created us to be, helping us to develop a deeper relationship with Him. By embracing His discipline, we allow God to work in our lives in powerful ways, refining our character and strengthening our faith. [40:06]
Hebrews 12:10-11 (ESV): "For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: Consider a recent challenge or trial you have faced. How might God be using this situation to refine you and draw you closer to Him?
Day 5: The Unchanging Nature of God
While our understanding of God may grow and evolve, He remains the same—faithful, loving, and just. This realization encourages us to stay committed to our walk with Him, knowing that He is always there, ready to guide and support us. The story of King Asa serves as a reminder that, despite our changing circumstances and understanding, God's character remains constant. This unchanging nature of God is a source of stability and assurance in our lives.
As we grow in our faith, we come to appreciate more deeply the constancy of God's character. His faithfulness, love, and justice are the bedrock upon which we can build our lives. This understanding helps us to trust Him more fully, knowing that He will never change or fail us. By staying committed to our walk with God, we can experience the fullness of His love and guidance in our lives. [47:36]
Malachi 3:6 (ESV): "For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed."
Reflection: Reflect on how your understanding of God has grown over time. How does the unchanging nature of God provide you with stability and assurance in your faith journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The God I've come to know is, first of all, I want to share this with you. The God I've come to know, first of all, I found him to be the God of faithfulness, the God of faithfulness. He's true to his word. You remember in scripture, we quote it all the time. He is the God who will never leave you nor forsake you." [34:13] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The God I've come to know is the God of my returns. When I walk away, and as soon as I turn back, God meets me there with open arms. Because no matter how good I think I am, or no matter how good other people around me may think I am, Pastor Tony, I'm just like everybody else. Sometimes we walk away. Sometimes we try to do things on our own." [35:59] (-153 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The God I've come to know is the God of my distresses. The God of my distresses. Now, this is where we have the most difficulty, it seems, at times. I've alluded to it a little bit earlier. It says in the last part of verse 6, nation was crushed by nation and city by city, for God troubled them with every possible distress." [40:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The God I've come to know is the one that walked with me when both of my parents passed away in the same year. In a very real way, the God that I know has been with me through every situation I've been through. The God that I've come to know was there with me in the operating room when I had open heart surgery two years ago, and gave me the peace that passes all understanding that can only come from God Almighty." [45:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The God I've come to know is the same God he always has been, but he's refining me so I can see him for more of who he is. Remember I said the Christian life, the story of the Christian life is really told best in the journey, not in the highs and the lows." [49:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The real story of the Christian life is not so much in the victories or even in the valleys. But the story of our walk with Christ and how we come to know Christ and how we get to know Christ and how he interacts with us and how we interact with him is really found in the journey. Amen." [24:08] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The God I've come to know is faithful when I'm not faithful. And he's faithful when I am faithful. Verse two is a promise. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you. The God I've come to know is the God of faithfulness." [35:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When I first started studying this passage a number of years ago, that statement pierced me. God was not casting them out. God was disciplining them. There's a difference. Discipline is for the purpose of correction and restoration, right? Discipline is for the purpose of bringing one back to bring light to some things that need to be changed." [40:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The God I've come to know is the one that was in the lion's den. You know that fourth one in there? the furnace? You remember him? He's the one that brought the children through. The God I've come to know is the one that's refined my faith in the fire, and the one that gives me the faith that's not really faith until it's been tested." [44:05] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The God I've come to know in 2024 seems like he has much more grace, more love, even more power than the one I met 40 years ago. more in love with him than I ever have been. And if I'm honest, it seems like he loves me more than ever, but he's never changed. He's always the same. The truth is he's changed me." [47:36] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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