Unwavering Faith: Lessons from Abraham's Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, I am deeply honored to be with you, sharing the incredible works God is doing in Cuba. Despite the adversities, the Cuban church is experiencing an unstoppable revival. We have seen God's hand move mightily, growing our congregations and spreading the gospel in ways that defy human expectations. This morning, I want to encourage you to "Keep Your Faith Alive," drawing inspiration from the life of Abraham as described in Romans 4:18-21.
Abraham's faith is a model for us all. Despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness, he believed in God's promises. He did not waver in unbelief but was strengthened in his faith, giving glory to God. This unwavering faith is what we need to emulate, regardless of our circumstances. Abraham's story teaches us three crucial lessons about maintaining our faith: not stopping believing even when time passes, not weakening in faith despite physical limitations, and not doubting God's promises even when surrounded by disbelief.
Firstly, Abraham did not stop believing even though he had to wait 25 years for God's promise to be fulfilled. In our fast-paced world, we often want instant results, but God's plans require patience and steadfast faith. Secondly, Abraham did not weaken in faith despite his and Sarah's old age. Physical limitations did not deter him because his faith was rooted in God's power, not human ability. Lastly, Abraham did not doubt God's promises, even when it seemed impossible. Doubt is a tool of the enemy to destroy our faith, but praising God and holding onto His promises can strengthen us.
In Cuba, we live by faith daily, trusting God to provide and sustain us. This faith has led to miraculous developments, including the construction of a beautiful church building against all odds. Similarly, God has powerful plans for Phoenix and the United States. In these turbulent times, the church must rise with unwavering faith, knowing that our victory is guaranteed through Christ's resurrection.
### Key Takeaways
1. Patience in God's Timing: Abraham waited 25 years for God's promise to be fulfilled, teaching us the importance of patience. In a world that craves instant gratification, we must remember that God's plans often require time and steadfast faith. Trusting in His timing, even when it seems delayed, is crucial for keeping our faith alive. [01:00:25]
2. Faith Beyond Physical Limitations: Despite being 100 years old and Sarah being 90, Abraham did not weaken in faith. This teaches us that our physical limitations or circumstances should not dictate our faith. God's power transcends human ability, and our faith should be rooted in His omnipotence. [01:05:32]
3. Overcoming Doubt with Praise: Doubt is a tool of the enemy to destroy our faith. Abraham did not doubt God's promises, even when surrounded by disbelief. Strengthening our faith through praise and holding onto God's promises can help us overcome doubt and remain steadfast. [01:14:17]
4. Living by Faith Daily: In Cuba, we live by faith every day, trusting God to provide and sustain us. This daily dependence on God has led to miraculous developments, including the construction of a beautiful church building. Living by faith means trusting God in every aspect of our lives, knowing He will provide. [01:17:52]
5. God's Plans for Our Future: God has powerful plans for Phoenix and the United States. In these turbulent times, the church must rise with unwavering faith, knowing that our victory is guaranteed through Christ's resurrection. Our faith should inspire us to be a light in the darkness, trusting in God's ultimate plan. [01:22:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:01] - Introduction and Background
[45:55] - Differences Between Cuba and the U.S.
[46:35] - Revival in Cuba
[47:44] - Thanking Supporters
[48:24] - Introducing the Sermon Topic
[49:05] - Keep Your Faith Alive
[49:54] - Abraham's Faith
[50:33] - Context of Romans
[51:33] - Justification Through Faith
[52:59] - Faith Erases Differences
[53:54] - Abraham as a Model of Faith
[54:50] - Three Ways to Keep Faith Alive
[57:00] - Believing Despite Time Passing
[01:00:25] - Patience in God's Timing
[01:04:46] - Faith Beyond Physical Limitations
[01:11:43] - Overcoming Doubt with Praise
[01:17:52] - Living by Faith Daily
[01:22:40] - God's Plans for Our Future
[01:24:11] - Paul's Conclusion in Romans 4
[01:26:02] - Victory Through Christ's Resurrection
[01:27:18] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:30:07] - Prayer for Believers
[01:33:07] - Prayer for Families and the Sick
[01:36:02] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 4:18-21 (NIV): "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the physical limitations that Abraham and Sarah faced, and how did they respond to these limitations? ([49:54])
2. How long did Abraham wait for God's promise to be fulfilled, and what does this teach us about patience? ([01:00:25])
3. What role did praise play in Abraham's ability to overcome doubt? ([01:14:17])
4. How does the Cuban church exemplify living by faith daily, according to the sermon? ([01:17:52])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have faith that "does not weaken" despite physical limitations or adverse circumstances? How can this be applied to modern-day challenges? ([01:05:32])
2. How can praising God help in overcoming doubt and disbelief in our lives? Reflect on a personal experience where praise helped you overcome a difficult situation. ([01:14:17])
3. In what ways does the Cuban church's experience of living by faith daily challenge or inspire your own faith journey? ([01:17:52])
4. How can the lessons from Abraham's faith be applied to the current turbulent times in Phoenix and the United States? ([01:22:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Abraham waited 25 years for God's promise to be fulfilled. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something important. How did you keep your faith alive during that period? ([01:00:25])
2. Abraham did not let his or Sarah's old age weaken his faith. Are there any physical or situational limitations in your life that are challenging your faith? How can you root your faith in God's power rather than human ability? ([01:05:32])
3. Doubt is described as a tool of the enemy. What are some practical ways you can incorporate praise into your daily routine to strengthen your faith and overcome doubt? ([01:14:17])
4. The Cuban church lives by faith daily, trusting God to provide. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust God more. What steps can you take this week to live by faith in that area? ([01:17:52])
5. The sermon mentioned that God has powerful plans for Phoenix and the United States. How can you contribute to your church's mission and be a light in your community during these turbulent times? ([01:22:40])
6. Reflect on a promise from God that you are still waiting to see fulfilled. How can you maintain hope and keep your faith alive, even when it seems delayed? ([01:01:35])
7. Think of a situation where you felt surrounded by disbelief. How did you handle it, and what can you do differently next time to strengthen your faith and not waver in unbelief? ([01:12:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Patience in God's Timing
Description: Abraham's journey of faith is a powerful reminder of the importance of patience in God's timing. Despite waiting 25 years for God's promise to be fulfilled, Abraham did not lose hope or faith. In our fast-paced world, we often desire instant results and quick answers to our prayers. However, God's plans often require time and steadfast faith. Trusting in His timing, even when it seems delayed, is crucial for keeping our faith alive. Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promise, despite the long wait, teaches us to remain patient and trust that God's timing is perfect. [01:00:25]
Romans 8:25 (ESV): "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Reflection: Think of a promise or prayer you have been waiting on God to fulfill. How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect timing today?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Physical Limitations
Description: Abraham's faith was not hindered by his physical limitations or circumstances. Despite being 100 years old and Sarah being 90, he did not weaken in faith. This teaches us that our physical limitations or challenging circumstances should not dictate our faith. God's power transcends human ability, and our faith should be rooted in His omnipotence. When we face obstacles that seem insurmountable, we must remember that God's power is greater than any limitation we may encounter. Abraham's story encourages us to trust in God's strength and not be discouraged by our own weaknesses. [01:05:32]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel limited or weak. How can you rely on God's strength and power to overcome this limitation today?
Day 3: Overcoming Doubt with Praise
Description: Doubt is a tool of the enemy to destroy our faith, but Abraham did not doubt God's promises, even when surrounded by disbelief. Instead, he strengthened his faith through praise and holding onto God's promises. When we face situations that seem impossible, it is easy to let doubt creep in. However, praising God and focusing on His promises can help us overcome doubt and remain steadfast in our faith. Abraham's example teaches us to combat doubt with worship and trust in God's faithfulness. [01:14:17]
Psalm 42:11 (ESV): "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you experienced doubt. How can you use praise and worship to strengthen your faith and overcome doubt today?
Day 4: Living by Faith Daily
Description: In Cuba, believers live by faith every day, trusting God to provide and sustain them. This daily dependence on God has led to miraculous developments, including the construction of a beautiful church building. Living by faith means trusting God in every aspect of our lives, knowing He will provide. It involves a daily commitment to rely on God's provision and guidance, even when circumstances seem uncertain. The Cuban church's example challenges us to deepen our daily dependence on God and trust Him to meet our needs. [01:17:52]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to trust God for provision. How can you practice living by faith and trusting Him to meet your needs today?
Day 5: God's Plans for Our Future
Description: God has powerful plans for Phoenix and the United States, just as He has for Cuba. In these turbulent times, the church must rise with unwavering faith, knowing that our victory is guaranteed through Christ's resurrection. Our faith should inspire us to be a light in the darkness, trusting in God's ultimate plan. Believing in God's promises for our future gives us hope and courage to face challenges. The church is called to stand firm in faith and be a beacon of hope, reflecting God's love and power to the world. [01:22:40]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Consider the current challenges facing your community or nation. How can you, as part of the church, rise with unwavering faith and be a light in these turbulent times?
Quotes
1. "And it had been taught That all the churches were going to be shut down in Cuba But what happened is There is a revival that is unstoppable I come from a place where the popular phrase is There's none There's none, there's nothing But there is Power of God The church has grown We have 1,281 official churches And about 9,000 places of preaching There's very few churches like this As beautiful as this But people, they come together in their homes In small tabernacles Under the trees And in any garage Where you can put your car But that's where we praise God." [46:35] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The faith that the apostle shares in this gospel It's the faith that opens the door to anyone that believes It's the faith that sustains the life of the just person It's the faith in the blood of Christ It's the faith in the blood of Christ It's the faith in God's blood It's the faith that erases the differences Just by believing It's the faith that rises up the dead And calls the things that are not into existence It's the faith that believes That if God is with us Who is against us?" [53:54] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to keep faith alive The passage that we just read It shows three ways In which Abraham was able to keep his faith alive And they're important for any season of our life In first place He did not stop believing Although time had passed He did not stop believing He did not stop believing Although time had passed Although time had passed You know that the life that we have Is time It's time And time is life Because time is what God gives us to live." [56:13] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Dice la Biblia The word says That he waited in hope against hope To wait in hope against hope Significa creer en la promesa divina A pesar de las imposibilidades Means believing in the divine promise Despite the real impossibilities Es mantener la llama encendida Aunque todo parezca contrario It's to keep the flame lit No matter what the circumstances Es seguir teniendo esperanza It's to continue to have hope Cuando parece que no hay motivos When everything seems helpless Es tener una esperanza fundamentada En las promesas de Dios It's to have hope Based in God's promises." [01:01:35] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No dejemos morir nuestros sueños Don't let your dreams die No dejemos morir nuestros planes Don't let your plans die No apaguemos nuestra visión Don't let Don't shut your vision off Nuestra visión para la familia Our vision for our family Nuestra visión para la iglesia Our vision for our church Mantengamos la esperanza Let's maintain hope De que en algún momento That in a certain moment Dios se levantará God will rise up Y nos dará la victoria And he will give us our victory." [01:03:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Abraham no se debilitó en fe Abraham did not weaken in faith Abraham no dio lugar a la depresión en su vida Abraham didn't give room to depression Amigos, hermanos Brothers and sisters Young people that are here La enfermedad del siglo XXI es la depresión The greatest sickness nowadays is depression Satanás comienza a trabajar en la mente Satan starts to work in the mind Y a debilitar la fe de los seres humanos And he starts to weaken the human's faith Y vemos gente que vive en las mejores naciones del mundo We see people live in the most beautiful nations of the world Que tienen las mejores condiciones de la vida They've got the best conditions in life Que están rodeados de recursos, dinero, tecnología They're surrounded by resources, technology, money Pero están viviendo en una depresión But are living in depression Que les está arruinando su vida And is ruining their lives." [01:10:34] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "No nos podemos guiar por los incrédulos We cannot guide ourselves by what people say Tenemos que seguir las pisadas del maestro We have to follow the master's footsteps La voz de Dios en su palabra The word of God in his Bible En nuestra tierra En Cuba Tenemos que vivir por fe We have to live by faith Todo el tiempo Every day Ningún cubano puede esperar que su salario El alcance para vivir No Cuban is waiting for his salary To be able to be enough for him to live Ni siquiera un día Not even one day Se vive por fe They live by faith." [01:17:25] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "No dejes que nadie Te insulte Que apague tu fe Don't let anyone insult you And shut your faith off Que nadie podrá detener There's projects that No one will be able to stop Because God's word had said it Esto no es cuestión de edad It's not because of age Dios puede obrar en tu vida y hacer milagros God can work in your life and do miracles Aunque el tiempo está pasando Even though time has passed El proyecto de Dios no se acaba para ti God's project is not done with your life." [01:32:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "La victoria del creyente No está en la psicología humana It's not in human psychology La victoria del creyente No está en la sabiduría humana The believer's victory Is not in human wisdom alone No está en la figura de un hombre It's not in a human figure No está en mi personalidad It's not in my personality No está en la manera en que puedo impresionar a otros It's not in the way I can impress someone No, hay que creer el cristiano que vive así está engañado The Christian that believes that way is deceiving himself La victoria del creyente The story of the believer Está en creer que Jesús es el creyente Está en creer que Jesús es el creyente Está vivo Is believing that Jesus is alive." [01:25:28] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Somos We are Somos We are La única religión The only religion En el mundo In the world Que tiene la tumba de su fundador vacía That has the tomb of his founder empty Cristo resucitó Christ rose from the dead." [01:27:18] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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