Trusting God's Timing: A Journey of Faith
Summary
In today's message, I shared a personal journey of faith and calling, reflecting on the appointed times God has set in our lives. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, I emphasized that God orchestrates every moment, and our role is to trust and follow His lead. My journey began in 1999 when I met Francis Chan, which led to my role here at the church. Over the past eight years, this community has become my home, a place where I've grown in faith and identity as a child of God. However, I now feel God is calling me to a new chapter: planting a church in the Portland area, a place that has been on my heart for years.
Portland, particularly Tigard, is a region with a significant need for spiritual engagement, being one of the least churched areas in the U.S. With a high percentage of young families and college students, it presents a unique opportunity to reach out and build a community that values and supports them. This move is not just about geographical change but a step of faith, trusting in God's timing and provision.
As we prepare for this transition, I invite you to join us in prayer and support. We will have an information meeting to discuss the details and how you can be involved. This is a collective journey, and your prayers and encouragement are vital.
In closing, I reminded everyone of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Spirit is not just a theological concept but a living reality that empowers, guides, and transforms us. We are called to live by faith, experiencing God's presence and power in tangible ways. This is a journey of trust, stepping out in faith, and witnessing God's miraculous work in and through us.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Appointed Times: Our lives are marked by divine appointments, moments orchestrated by God that we cannot change. Recognizing these times requires faith and trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He has a purpose for every season. Embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and transformation. [00:29]
2. The Call to Faith: Stepping out in faith often means leaving the familiar and comfortable. It is in these moments of uncertainty that we experience God's presence most profoundly. Trusting in His call leads to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on His provision. [03:08]
3. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is not just a doctrine but a dynamic presence in our lives. He empowers us to live out our faith, providing guidance, strength, and the ability to overcome sin. Experiencing the Spirit's work is a testament to God's active involvement in our lives. [19:29]
4. Living by Faith, Not Works: Our righteousness comes through faith, not by our efforts. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in His grace. Faith in Christ's finished work is the foundation of our relationship with God. [24:25]
5. The Gift of Redemption: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross redeems us from the curse of the law. He took our place, bearing the punishment we deserved, so we could be reconciled to God. This act of love and grace is the cornerstone of our faith and the reason for our hope. [38:37]
YouTube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction and Personal Journey
- [00:29] - God's Appointed Times
- [01:03] - Meeting Francis Chan
- [02:14] - Finding Home in the Church
- [03:08] - A New Calling: Church Planting
- [04:44] - The Need in Portland
- [06:45] - Preparing for the Move
- [07:20] - Invitation to Support and Pray
- [08:28] - Prayer for the Journey
- [09:40] - Changes in College Ministry
- [12:48] - Adjustments in Service Times
- [17:21] - Experiencing God's Hand
- [19:29] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [24:25] - Living by Faith
- [38:37] - The Gift of Redemption
- [47:01] - Invitation to Receive the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
2. Galatians 3:1-14
3. John 8:39-47
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Observation Questions:
1. In Ecclesiastes 3, what does Solomon say about the appointed times in our lives, and how does this relate to the pastor's personal journey? [00:29]
2. What demographic and spiritual needs in the Portland area were highlighted as reasons for the church plant? [04:44]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, according to the sermon? [19:29]
4. What does the pastor say about the righteousness that comes through faith, as opposed to works? [24:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might recognizing God's appointed times in our lives change the way we approach decisions and transitions? [00:29]
2. What challenges and opportunities might arise from planting a church in an area with a high percentage of young families and college students? [04:44]
3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the Holy Spirit empowers and transforms believers? How does this align with the biblical passages discussed? [19:29]
4. Why is it significant that our righteousness comes through faith and not by our own efforts, according to the pastor's message? [24:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was orchestrating events in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [00:29]
2. The pastor is stepping out in faith to plant a church. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to step out in faith? What steps can you take to move forward? [03:08]
3. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and work in your daily life? What practices might help you cultivate this awareness? [19:29]
4. The pastor emphasized living by faith rather than works. How can you remind yourself of this truth in your daily walk with God? [24:25]
5. Consider the pastor's call to support the new church plant through prayer and encouragement. How can you actively participate in supporting this mission or a similar one? [07:20]
6. The sermon mentioned the gift of redemption through Jesus' sacrifice. How does this truth impact your understanding of grace and forgiveness in your life? [38:37]
7. Identify one way you can experience and share the hope and joy that comes from living by faith in your community this week. [43:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Appointments
In life, there are moments that are divinely orchestrated, times when God’s hand is evident in the unfolding of events. These are the appointed times that Ecclesiastes 3 speaks of, where every season has its purpose under heaven. Recognizing these moments requires a deep trust in God’s sovereignty, understanding that He has a plan for every phase of our lives. Embracing these divine appointments means being open to growth and transformation, allowing God to work in and through us in ways we might not have anticipated. It is in these moments that we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and His purposes are good. [00:29]
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a recent event in your life that felt like a divine appointment? How can you embrace this moment as an opportunity for growth and transformation today?
Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith
Faith often requires us to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown. It is in these moments of uncertainty that we experience God’s presence most profoundly. Trusting in His call leads to spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on His provision. When we step out in faith, we are acknowledging that God’s plans are greater than our own, and we are willing to follow His lead, even when the path is unclear. This journey of faith is not without its challenges, but it is through these challenges that we grow closer to God and learn to depend on Him more fully. [03:08]
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What practical steps can you take today to begin this journey?
Day 3: Experiencing the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept but a living reality that empowers, guides, and transforms us. He is the dynamic presence of God in our lives, providing the strength and guidance we need to live out our faith. Experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit is a testament to God’s active involvement in our lives, as He empowers us to overcome sin and live in accordance with His will. The Spirit’s presence is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey of faith, but that God is with us, guiding us every step of the way. [19:29]
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How have you experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life recently? What is one way you can invite the Holy Spirit to guide you today?
Day 4: Living by Faith, Not Works
Our righteousness comes through faith, not by our efforts. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor and allows us to rest in His grace. Faith in Christ’s finished work is the foundation of our relationship with God, freeing us from the pressure to perform and allowing us to live in the freedom of His love. When we live by faith, we are acknowledging that our worth is not determined by our actions, but by God’s grace and love for us. This understanding transforms the way we live, as we learn to rely on God’s grace rather than our own efforts. [24:25]
"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: In what ways have you been relying on your own efforts to earn God’s favor? How can you shift your focus to living by faith and resting in His grace today?
Day 5: The Gift of Redemption
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross redeems us from the curse of the law. He took our place, bearing the punishment we deserved, so we could be reconciled to God. This act of love and grace is the cornerstone of our faith and the reason for our hope. Redemption is a gift that transforms our lives, freeing us from the bondage of sin and allowing us to live in the freedom of God’s love. It is through this gift that we are able to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, as we are reconciled to Him and empowered to live in His love. [38:37]
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight." (Ephesians 1:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: How does the gift of redemption impact your daily life? What is one way you can live out the reality of this gift today?
Quotes
When God does something, He does it, and there's nothing we can do to change it, and it was a point of time for everything. It's all these opposites, and the point is that God appoints times. [00:00:44]
I feel like God is appointing a different time in my life, and it's really exciting for me and my family, and that is that we feel like God is calling us to be the next Cornerstone church plant. [00:03:13]
Over 65 percent of the people there claim to have no religious roots in any way, and that's compared to a 40 national average, so it's over 25 higher than the national average of people that say I don't identify myself with any religious background at all. [00:05:02]
God, everything is dependent on you, whether this church really changes that area, impacts that area, it's all up to you. Everything's in your hands, all power's in your hands, and that's why we're praying right now as a church. [00:08:33]
Are you sure that there have been times in your life when you've experienced the hand of God, like something supernatural where you go there's no way that was coincidence? You can't convince me that's coincidence. I know that was God. [00:17:33]
Biblically, we are supposed to experience God. We are in the Bible when someone received the Holy Spirit, when the Holy Spirit was in their life, no one had to tell them that the Holy Spirit was in their life. [00:18:25]
He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. Understand then that those who believe are children of Abraham. Consider Abraham, he believed God, and it was credited to him. [00:27:37]
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. See then he says Christ redeemed us. [00:38:49]
He goes, you guys are evil human fathers, and if your kid asks you for something to eat, you're not gonna kill him. He goes, what kind of father you think I am? He goes, and if you ask me for the Holy Spirit, don't you think I'm going to give that to you because I'm a good father? [00:46:24]
The Holy Spirit, I just want to remind you in closing and throw some verses on the screen to remind you what the Holy Spirit does for you just in case someone told you like someone told me hey he doesn't really do anything, just know he's there. [00:47:32]
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we're God's children. Okay, this one I can't explain, okay, I know it's true, and I know that somehow inside every fiber of my being screams out that God is my Father. [00:52:34]
Ask me for that spirit that can put to death the deeds of the flesh. Let's get that out of you. I'm a good father. I'll get that out of you. I'm not going to make the opposite come true in your life. [00:56:55]
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