Unshakable Faith in Tumultuous Times
Summary
### Summary
In these tumultuous times, it's essential to remember that our faith must remain unshakable. Reflecting on the past decade, we see how crises have accelerated, fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel that knowledge and events will speed up in the last days. Despite the chaos, our focus should be on elevating our perspective above the turmoil, setting our minds on things above, and remembering that all authority is established by God. This perspective helps us honor those in authority while maintaining our ultimate allegiance to God.
The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump serves as a stark reminder of the violence and chaos that Satan sows. Yet, it also underscores God's sovereignty and care for all humanity, regardless of political affiliation. Our role as the church is not to become political pundits but to be ambassadors of Christ, focusing on worship, discipleship, and outreach. The world is lost and dying, and our mission is to bring them the hope of Jesus Christ.
The story of Rahab in Hebrews 11 illustrates the courage and faith required to wait for God's deliverance. Rahab's faith, symbolized by the scarlet rope, teaches us that faith often involves waiting on God's divine timetable, even when it seems delayed. Similarly, our faith must be unshakable, expecting to overcome adversity while enduring intense difficulties. The persecuted church reminds us that faith sometimes involves suffering, but it also connects us through history to a lineage of believers who have endured and overcome.
As we navigate these challenging times, let us stand firm on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ. Our faith connects us to a larger family of believers throughout history, and our perseverance contributes to the fulfillment of God's promises. Let us remain steadfast, filled with fresh faith, and committed to our mission of worship, growth, and outreach.
### Key Takeaways
1. Elevate Your Perspective: In times of crisis, it's crucial to set our minds on things above and remember that all authority is established by God. This helps us honor those in authority while maintaining our ultimate allegiance to God. By focusing on the eternal, we can navigate the chaos of the world with a sense of peace and purpose. [03:46]
2. Faith Requires Courageous Waiting: The story of Rahab teaches us that faith often involves waiting for God's deliverance on His divine timetable. Rahab's scarlet rope symbolizes the courage to wait, even when it seems delayed. Similarly, we must have the courage to wait for God's intervention, trusting that He is working behind the scenes. [17:46]
3. Unshakable Faith Overcomes Adversity: Faith expects to overcome challenges and adversities. The examples of biblical heroes who shut the mouths of lions and quenched flames remind us that God empowers us to overcome difficulties. Our faith should be resilient, expecting God's intervention and miracles in our lives. [23:21]
4. Endure Intense Difficulty: Unshakable faith also involves enduring intense difficulties, as seen in the persecuted church. This aspect of faith is often overlooked but is crucial for a well-rounded Christian life. We must be prepared to endure suffering for our faith, knowing that it connects us to a long lineage of believers who have done the same. [29:43]
5. Faith Connects Us Through History: Our faith is part of a larger family of believers throughout history. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 did not receive all that God promised because they are waiting for us to complete our race. This connection reminds us that our faith and perseverance contribute to the fulfillment of God's promises for all believers. [35:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Reflecting on Recent Events
[02:29] - God's Sovereignty and Care
[03:46] - Elevating Our Perspective
[04:59] - The Role of the Church
[06:29] - Our Mission: Worship, Grow, Reach
[07:39] - Choosing the Higher Road
[08:59] - The Unshakable Kingdom
[10:10] - Standing Firm on Jesus
[11:30] - Whitewater Rafting Analogy
[12:38] - Hebrews 11 and Rahab
[13:59] - Rahab's Courageous Faith
[15:19] - The Scarlet Rope
[17:46] - Faith Requires Courageous Waiting
[19:00] - The Waiting Process
[20:19] - The Importance of Patience
[21:30] - Overcoming Adversity
[23:21] - Examples of Overcoming Faith
[24:46] - A Story of Redemption
[26:04] - Praying for Loved Ones
[27:09] - The Power of Absolute Surrender
[28:22] - The Role of a Praying Mother
[29:43] - Enduring Intense Difficulty
[31:26] - The Persecuted Church
[32:48] - Our Heritage of Faith
[34:20] - Preparing for Difficult Times
[35:45] - Faith Connects Us Through History
[37:07] - The Universal Body of Faith
[38:30] - Encouragement for the Journey
[39:51] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:30-31 (NIV): "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient."
2. Colossians 3:2 (NIV): "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
3. Romans 13:1 (NIV): "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:30-31, what actions demonstrated Rahab's faith?
2. In Colossians 3:2, what are believers instructed to focus their minds on?
3. What does Romans 13:1 say about the origin of governing authorities?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Rahab's story in Hebrews 11 illustrate the concept of courageous waiting for God's deliverance?
2. What does it mean to "set your minds on things above" in the context of current world events and crises?
3. How can the understanding that "all authority is established by God" influence a Christian's response to political and social turmoil?
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Rahab's courageous faith, can you identify a situation in your life where you need to wait on God's timing? How can you demonstrate faith during this waiting period?
2. In what ways can you elevate your perspective above the chaos of the world and focus on the eternal? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to help with this?
3. How do you currently respond to political and social issues? How might the understanding that all authority is established by God change your approach?
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of worship, discipleship, and outreach. Which of these areas do you feel most called to focus on in your personal life, and what steps can you take to grow in that area?
5. The story of Rahab shows that faith often involves waiting and enduring difficulties. How can you support others in your small group or community who are in a season of waiting or facing challenges?
6. The sermon mentioned the persecuted church and enduring intense difficulty. How can you become more aware of and support persecuted Christians around the world?
7. Considering the idea that our faith connects us through history, how can you draw inspiration from the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 to persevere in your own spiritual journey?
Devotional
Day 1: Elevate Your Perspective
In times of crisis, it's crucial to set our minds on things above and remember that all authority is established by God. This helps us honor those in authority while maintaining our ultimate allegiance to God. By focusing on the eternal, we can navigate the chaos of the world with a sense of peace and purpose. When we elevate our perspective, we are reminded that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and this brings a sense of calm and assurance even in the midst of turmoil.
Reflecting on recent events, such as the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, we see the violence and chaos that Satan sows. Yet, it also underscores God's sovereignty and care for all humanity, regardless of political affiliation. Our role as the church is not to become political pundits but to be ambassadors of Christ, focusing on worship, discipleship, and outreach. The world is lost and dying, and our mission is to bring them the hope of Jesus Christ. [03:46]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: Think of a current event that has caused you anxiety or fear. How can you shift your focus from the chaos of the world to the sovereignty of God today?
Day 2: Faith Requires Courageous Waiting
The story of Rahab teaches us that faith often involves waiting for God's deliverance on His divine timetable. Rahab's scarlet rope symbolizes the courage to wait, even when it seems delayed. Similarly, we must have the courage to wait for God's intervention, trusting that He is working behind the scenes.
Rahab's faith, as illustrated in Hebrews 11, required her to wait for God's deliverance while hiding the Israelite spies. Her courage and trust in God's plan, despite the immediate danger, serve as a powerful example for us. In our own lives, we may face situations where God's timing seems delayed, but we are called to wait with faith and courage, knowing that His plans are perfect and His timing is impeccable. [17:46]
Psalm 27:14 (ESV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to wait for God's timing? How can you practice courageous waiting today, trusting in His perfect plan?
Day 3: Unshakable Faith Overcomes Adversity
Faith expects to overcome challenges and adversities. The examples of biblical heroes who shut the mouths of lions and quenched flames remind us that God empowers us to overcome difficulties. Our faith should be resilient, expecting God's intervention and miracles in our lives.
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced insurmountable odds but overcame through their unshakable faith in God. These stories serve as reminders that God is with us in our struggles and that He empowers us to overcome. Whether we face personal, professional, or spiritual challenges, our faith in God can help us navigate and conquer these adversities. [23:21]
Hebrews 11:33-34 (ESV): "Who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge you are facing. How can you rely on your faith in God to overcome this adversity, expecting His intervention and miracles?
Day 4: Endure Intense Difficulty
Unshakable faith also involves enduring intense difficulties, as seen in the persecuted church. This aspect of faith is often overlooked but is crucial for a well-rounded Christian life. We must be prepared to endure suffering for our faith, knowing that it connects us to a long lineage of believers who have done the same.
The persecuted church serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of following Christ. Throughout history, believers have faced persecution, suffering, and even death for their faith. This enduring faith connects us to a larger family of believers who have remained steadfast in the face of intense difficulties. As we navigate our own challenges, we can draw strength from their example and remain committed to our faith, no matter the cost. [29:43]
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced difficulty because of your faith. How can you draw strength from the example of the persecuted church to endure and remain steadfast in your faith today?
Day 5: Faith Connects Us Through History
Our faith is part of a larger family of believers throughout history. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 did not receive all that God promised because they are waiting for us to complete our race. This connection reminds us that our faith and perseverance contribute to the fulfillment of God's promises for all believers.
The lineage of faith described in Hebrews 11 connects us to a rich history of believers who have trusted in God's promises. These heroes of faith endured trials, faced challenges, and remained steadfast in their belief. Their stories remind us that our faith is not isolated but part of a larger narrative that spans generations. As we persevere in our faith, we contribute to the fulfillment of God's promises and join a community of believers who have run the race before us. [35:45]
Hebrews 11:39-40 (ESV): "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect."
Reflection: How does knowing that your faith is part of a larger history of believers encourage you to persevere? What steps can you take today to strengthen your connection to this community of faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There is a lost and dying world that is on their way to hell, to spend an eternity in darkness if they do not know Jesus. That is the target. All of these other things are secondary. But the reality is, is that there is a lost and dying world. Children, teenagers, single moms, single fathers, seniors, every level of society that do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and on their way to an eternity without him." [05:29] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus did not appoint us as his followers on this earth to be political pundits. You can have your political position. I think you should. That's great. But he appointed us to be ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. And can I encourage you as your pastor during these days when everybody has an opinion about everything, it already starts on this and on this. Remember, if you start to weigh in at that level, your voice gets lost." [06:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We do not know what event in our society will trigger revival. I do believe that we are going to see God move upon our country once again in a profound way. And here's what the enemy would love to do. Please listen. And if you're online, listen. If, if when God, begins to move, there's always a parallel path that Satan has when the, when a great move of God is happening. And it's always a path of distraction so that when people come into the doors of the church, do you know what they're looking for? They're looking for God." [07:39] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith requires tremendous courage to wait for deliverance while the Lord is fighting your battles on his divine timetable. Faith takes tremendous courage to wait for deliverance. And that's what we're talking about. That rope, that faith that Rahab had, she threw that rope out and as a, as a sign of faith waiting on the Lord to deliver her family." [17:46] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God wants us and our loved ones to overcome adversity. How many can say amen to that? It requires unshakable faith. The enemy will attack your faith saying, just give up. Why are you still praying about that? Why do you really believe God's going to, and I would encourage you, as long as you have breath in your lungs, you could say, you know what? As long as I'm here, I'm believing that I'm going to overcome in Jesus name. Amen." [28:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "One of the most important things of our gathering together is to be able to elevate our perspective. You know, when you have time with God on your own, very important. I talk about that. Read your Bible, pray, spend personal time with God. But one of the challenges of only doing it by yourself is you can get stuck in your own head and your own thoughts. We need each other as the body of Christ, because one of the things it does is it helps us elevate our perspective to that which is eternal." [02:29] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Unshakable faith expects to overcome adversity. And this is a great thing to remember that God wants us to be overcomers, to be able to say, you know what? This difficulty is here and God is going to give me the grace and the strength to see this overcoming battle." [23:21] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Unshakable faith also endures intense difficulty. Now this is another part of Christianity that is not popular at all. Okay. It's not, how many are familiar with the persecuted church? You ever read or learned about the persecuted church? Some of us thought we probably should talk a little bit more about this because I think it's very important. And right now we're going to, this is a whole passage of scripture that talks about how unshakable faith endures intense difficulty." [29:43] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Unshakable faith connects us through history. Hebrews 11, 39, all of these people, it says, earned a good reputation because of their faith. But look at this crazy verse. It's incredible. Yet none of them received all. Can we say all? None of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us so that they would not reach perfection without us." [35:45] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The encouragement for us today is that God would fill our hearts with, truly, fresh faith upon him as the unshakable foundation. Father, today, in the name of Jesus, we thank you that even in these crazy days that we're living in, Lord, that our response to these things is that our faith will remain unshakable because we will remain standing upon you as our firm foundation, Lord Jesus." [39:51] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?