Trusting God's Faithfulness Through Every Season
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the unwavering faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting Him through every season of life. We began by affirming that no matter what valleys we walk through, we are not alone. Our strength and help come from the Lord, and it is through His power that we can declare, "I'm gonna make it through." This message of hope and resilience was emphasized by visualizing holding the hand of Jesus, symbolizing His constant support and guidance.
We also took a moment to honor the hard work of our team and the vibrant presence of our children, who are the future of our church. Their involvement and the seeds of faith being planted in their hearts are invaluable. The importance of a solid foundation was highlighted through the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Regardless of age, building our lives on the rock—Jesus Christ—ensures that we can withstand life's storms.
The service culminated in a communal decision to follow Jesus, emphasizing that salvation is a simple yet transformative act of faith. We then partook in communion, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and His love for us. The day concluded with an invitation to fellowship and enjoy the planned activities, reinforcing the sense of community and shared faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Strength: We are not meant to navigate life's challenges on our own. Our help comes from the Lord, and it is through His strength that we can declare victory over our circumstances. Visualizing holding Jesus' hand can remind us of His constant support and guidance. [52:38]
2. The Power of a Planted Seed: The seeds of faith planted in our hearts, especially from a young age, have the potential to grow and bear fruit throughout our lives. Never underestimate the impact of early spiritual experiences and teachings. [01:25:42]
3. Building on a Solid Foundation: The parable of the wise and foolish builders teaches us the importance of building our lives on the rock, which is Jesus Christ. When we do so, we can withstand any storm that comes our way, regardless of our age or stage in life. [01:31:57]
4. Salvation is Simple Yet Transformative: Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is a straightforward act of faith that has profound implications. By asking for forgiveness and committing to follow Him, our lives are forever changed by His love and grace. [01:37:08]
5. The Significance of Communion: Partaking in communion is a powerful act of remembrance and unity. It reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and His love for us, reinforcing our commitment to live for Him and to be part of His body, the church. [01:42:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[51:12] - Walking Through the Valley
[51:47] - Strength from the Lord
[52:38] - Visualizing Jesus' Support
[53:08] - Declaration of Overcoming
[54:44] - Honoring the Team
[55:19] - Family Fun Day Announcement
[56:52] - Children's Ministry Highlight
[01:25:42] - The Power of a Planted Seed
[01:27:24] - Importance of Children in Church
[01:28:48] - Communion Preparation
[01:31:57] - Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
[01:32:46] - Building on the Right Foundation
[01:33:40] - Decision for Christ
[01:36:26] - Simple Act of Salvation
[01:37:08] - Prayer of Salvation
[01:38:55] - Communion Explanation
[01:42:26] - Partaking of Communion
[01:44:07] - Closing and Fellowship Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23:4 (ESV) - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
2. Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) - "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
3. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV) - "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 23:4 say about God's presence during difficult times?
2. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), what are the two different foundations mentioned, and what do they represent?
3. According to 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, what are the two elements of communion, and what do they symbolize?
4. How did the pastor describe the importance of visualizing holding Jesus' hand during tough times? ([52:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of walking through the valley in Psalm 23:4 help believers understand God's role in their lives during challenging times?
2. What does building on the rock versus building on the sand symbolize in the context of one's faith and life choices? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about having a solid foundation? ([01:31:57])
3. Why is the act of communion significant in the Christian faith, and how does it serve as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice? ([01:42:26])
4. How can the concept of the "power of a planted seed" be seen in the lives of children and their early spiritual experiences? ([01:25:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's presence and strength during that time? How can you remind yourself to rely on Him in future challenges? ([51:12])
2. Think about your current life foundation. Are there areas where you might be building on "sand" instead of the "rock"? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in Christ? ([01:32:46])
3. How can you actively plant seeds of faith in the lives of the children around you? What specific actions can you take to nurture their spiritual growth? ([01:25:42])
4. Communion is a time of remembrance and unity. How can you prepare your heart and mind to partake in communion more meaningfully? ([01:42:26])
5. The sermon emphasized the simplicity yet transformative power of salvation. Have you experienced this transformation in your life? If not, what is holding you back from making that decision today? ([01:37:08])
6. How can you contribute to building a strong sense of community and shared faith within your church? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in their faith journey? ([01:44:07])
7. Reflect on the importance of trusting in God's strength rather than your own. What practical steps can you take this week to lean more on God's support and guidance? ([52:38])
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Strength
Description:
Life is filled with challenges and valleys that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and alone. However, we are reminded that we are never truly alone. Our strength and help come from the Lord, who is always with us, guiding and supporting us through every season of life. By visualizing holding the hand of Jesus, we can remind ourselves of His constant presence and unwavering support. This act of faith allows us to declare with confidence, "I'm gonna make it through," knowing that it is through His power that we can overcome any obstacle. [52:38]
Bible Passage:
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a current challenge or valley you are walking through. How can you visualize holding Jesus' hand and relying on His strength to help you overcome this situation today?
Day 2: The Power of a Planted Seed
Description:
The seeds of faith planted in our hearts, especially from a young age, have the potential to grow and bear fruit throughout our lives. These early spiritual experiences and teachings are invaluable, as they lay the foundation for a lifelong relationship with God. It is important to nurture these seeds and recognize the impact they can have on our spiritual growth. By investing in the spiritual development of our children and ourselves, we can ensure that these seeds of faith continue to flourish and produce a bountiful harvest. [01:25:42]
Bible Passage:
"And he said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.'" (Mark 4:26-27, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a spiritual lesson or experience from your childhood that has had a lasting impact on your faith. How can you nurture and grow this seed of faith in your life today?
Day 3: Building on a Solid Foundation
Description:
The parable of the wise and foolish builders teaches us the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation, which is Jesus Christ. When we build our lives on the rock, we can withstand any storm that comes our way, regardless of our age or stage in life. This solid foundation provides us with stability, strength, and resilience, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and grounding ourselves in His teachings, we can ensure that our lives are built on a firm and unshakable foundation. [01:31:57]
Bible Passage:
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25, ESV)
Reflection:
Examine the foundation of your life. Are there areas where you need to strengthen your relationship with Jesus and His teachings? What steps can you take today to build a more solid foundation in those areas?
Day 4: Salvation is Simple Yet Transformative
Description:
Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is a straightforward act of faith that has profound implications for our lives. By asking for forgiveness and committing to follow Him, we experience a transformative change that impacts every aspect of our being. This simple act of faith opens the door to a life filled with God's love, grace, and guidance. It is a reminder that salvation is not about our efforts or achievements, but about accepting the gift of God's grace and allowing it to transform us from the inside out. [01:37:08]
Bible Passage:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your own journey of faith. Have you fully accepted the gift of salvation and allowed it to transform your life? What areas of your life still need to be surrendered to Jesus?
Day 5: The Significance of Communion
Description:
Partaking in communion is a powerful act of remembrance and unity. It reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and His love for us, reinforcing our commitment to live for Him and to be part of His body, the church. Through communion, we are reminded of the profound love and grace that Jesus demonstrated through His death and resurrection. It is a time to reflect on our relationship with Him, to seek forgiveness, and to renew our commitment to follow Him. Communion also unites us with fellow believers, strengthening our sense of community and shared faith. [01:42:26]
Bible Passage:
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 11:26-27, ESV)
Reflection:
As you prepare to partake in communion, take a moment to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and His love for you. Are there any areas of your life where you need to seek forgiveness or renew your commitment to follow Him? How can you strengthen your sense of unity with fellow believers in your church community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The valley is not my home I'm gonna make it through I'm gonna make it through Somebody shout, I'm gonna make it through Somebody needs to hear that today Because you're going through something But I'm not taking up residence Where the problem is Amen I'm not living where the problem is I'm gonna make it through I'm coming out on the other side I'm gonna make it through this thing Let that be your testimony this week I'm gonna break through this thing" [51:12] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But here's the key I'm not getting through on my own strength I'm not just willing my way through have help I've looked to the hills see where my help comes from It comes from the Lord, amen That's why we've got to call on His name My help comes from the Lord" [51:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The power of this story is that if we live in the story, if we build on the right foundation. Somebody give a shout out to Jesus right now. If we build on the right foundation, we're going to make it through. Amen. And it doesn't matter if you're 80 or 8 right now. If you will build on the right foundation. building on the right foundation right now." [01:32:46] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Regardless of your age today, we're going to make a decision for Jesus. And what I mean by that is we're going to decide right here, right now, today to give our lives to him. Right now. Now I'm talking to everybody here. Whether you're 80ish or 80ish. Doesn't matter. We're going to make a decision to follow Jesus." [01:36:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Bible tells us that if we ask him, he'll forgive us. And he'll cleanse us. So we ask him to forgive us. He cleanses us. And then after that, we say, Lord, I'm going to make you, Jesus, I'm going to make you Lord of my life. I'm going to follow after you. And then we're thinking for it. That's it. That's the whole process. This sounds too simple to be transformative, but I assure you it's not. That simple prayer. That simple belief. That simple surrender to Jesus. And your life is forever changed. By the power of his love." [01:37:08] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Word is rich. It's powerful. The Bible says, the Word is like a sword, like a two-edged sword. It cuts, and it gets deep within us. These are truths that we can hold on to, and these children are getting those truths right now at their young age. And don't ever undervalue the seeds that are being planted right now, because those seeds take root, and they grow. Amen?" [01:25:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As a young boy, my parents sent me to a youth camp, and we were sitting around. The fire one night, singing songs. I can't even remember the song that we sang, but I remember the spiritual reaction that I had just as a kid. I didn't know who he was. I didn't understand anything about Jesus or anything about God. I just remember this one thing, sitting around that campfire with my hand raised and tears coming down my cheeks, hot tears coming down my cold cheeks. And I just loved on the Lord without even fully understanding what I was doing. But man, it was real. It was authentic. wasn't made up. That seed planted all those years ago when I was young enough to jump. Those seeds planted all those years ago remained. And that's the power of a planted seed. Amen?" [01:26:52] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's a parable Jesus told and in this parable. He said there was a wise man and there was a foolish man. And the wise man built on a solid foundation. He built on the rock. Whereas the foolish man, he built his house on sand. And for years, I've heard people tell this story. I've heard preachers preach this message. They've always talked about the type of foundation that you build on. Are you building on rock? Are you building on sand? But there's a part of this song that talks about the fact that the rain came and the winds blew. And that's the whole point of the parable that Jesus tells. Because in both of these stories, Jesus said, when the storms came. And that's the reality of our lives, saints of God. Whether you're a believer or not a believer. Whether you're a solid Christian or you're just getting started. A mature Christian or you're a new beginner. It doesn't matter. The Bible said that the storms are going to come." [01:31:57] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's a verse in the Bible that talks about a king named Josiah. And the Bible says that Josiah was 8 years old when he began to reign as king. 8. 8 years old. But here's the best part of the story. The Bible says, that Josiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord. At 8 years old, he was already making the decision to live for God. Amen. So you can make that decision right now. How many of you would like to be king or queen right now at 8 years old? That'd be pretty sweet, wouldn't it? Be like, this is my house. You're going to do what I tell you to do. I'll have you flogged if you don't. Amen. That'd be pretty cool. But the most important part is that at 8 years old, he made a decision for Christ. He made a decision to live for God. You're never too young, you're never too old to make a decision to live for Him. Amen." [01:33:40] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Communion. It's one of the sacraments that we observe here. At this church and churches all across the world, actually. We do this once a month. And we do it for two reasons. The most important reason is because Jesus told us to. And he said, as often as you do it, do it in remembrance of me. So we partake of communion because we believe we're partaking of the body of Christ. We believe that we're drinking of the blood of Christ. Not the literal blood of Jesus. Just representation of the fact that he shed his blood on Calvary for us." [01:38:55] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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