Walking in Faith: Embracing God's Providence and Service

Summary

As we gather today, we reflect on the profound truth of God's providence—His ability to see the end from the beginning. This divine foresight is not just a theological concept but a foundation for our trust in Him. God’s investment in us is based on His complete knowledge of our journey, which should instill confidence and stability in our faith. As we look at Abraham's faithfulness, we see a pattern that can transform our approach to loving our city. God knows the end from the beginning for Issaquah Christian Church, and we are called to walk in faithfulness, trusting in His providence.

Standing on the threshold of a new year, we are reminded of the opportunities to see our city as a promised land. Like Abraham, we are invited to walk in faith, believing that God has given us this city to serve, not to dominate. Jesus, with all authority, chose to serve, and we are called to do the same with courage and humility. Our faith is not about triumphalism but about serving and loving our community as Jesus did.

Romans 4 teaches us about faith counted as righteousness, a faith that believes in God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible. Abraham's unwavering faith is a model for us, showing that God is able to fulfill His promises. We are called to praise Him for being a promise-keeping God, moving forward despite our skepticism.

As spiritual descendants of Abraham, we are heirs of the promise, called to live out our faith in the here and now. Jesus provides the ultimate example of servanthood, inviting us to follow His pattern of life. We are to be a community that welcomes, serves, and loves, creating spaces for others to join in the work of the kingdom.

As we move into this new year, let us embrace the call to be spiritual leaders, equipped to serve and love our city. We are not just spectators but active participants in God's work. May our faith be marked by courage and humility, as we step into the future God has already seen, bringing His kingdom to our city.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Providence and Our Confidence: Understanding that God sees the end from the beginning should instill confidence in us. His investment in our lives is based on His complete knowledge, which should stabilize our faith and encourage us to trust Him fully. [01:57]

2. Faithful Service Over Triumph: Like Jesus, who served with humility despite having all authority, we are called to serve our city with courage and humility. Our mission is not to dominate but to love and serve, bringing the kingdom presence wherever we go. [04:45]

3. Faith Counted as Righteousness: Abraham's faith, counted as righteousness, is a model for us. We are called to believe in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible, and to praise Him for being a promise-keeping God. [10:09]

4. Living as Heirs of the Promise: As spiritual descendants of Abraham, we are heirs of the promise, called to live out our faith in the present. This involves following Jesus' example of servanthood and creating a community that welcomes and serves others. [11:21]

5. Equipping for Ministry: We are not just spectators but active participants in God's work. As we move into the new year, we are called to be spiritual leaders, equipped to serve and love our city, bringing the kingdom to our community. [20:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:08] - God's Providence and Our Confidence
- [03:17] - Faithful Service Over Triumph
- [04:45] - Serving with Courage and Humility
- [06:33] - Reflecting on God's Work
- [08:03] - Faith Counted as Righteousness
- [08:55] - Abraham's Unwavering Faith
- [10:09] - Believing in God's Promises
- [11:21] - Living as Heirs of the Promise
- [13:09] - Following Jesus' Example
- [14:36] - Creating a Welcoming Community
- [16:00] - Participating in Kingdom Work
- [17:46] - Equipping for Ministry
- [20:12] - Becoming Spiritual Leaders
- [23:32] - Jesus' Servanthood and Our Response